Cobbetts starts flexi-working in bid to save jobs
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Cobbetts has introduced a four-day week across its transactional practice groups in a bid to avoid making and further job cuts.
Cobbetts managing partner Michael Shaw (pictured) confirmed that the measure had been introduced as well as flexible and part-time working and job sharing arrangements.
Both fee-earners and support staff in the firm’s transactional practice groups will be affected by the new measures.
Shaw said: “We’re doing this because we value those who work for us.
“There’s not been the pick up in real estate and corporate and so we need to respond to this.
“We’ve implemented a number of measures across the transactional teams, but litigation remains healthy.”
Shaw added that the firm will discuss the progress of the cost reduction initiatives at the end of each month and will carry out a full review at the end of October.
He said: “We’re determined to emerge from the current global downturn as a strong and competitive business, and these types of decisions are a difficult but vital element in that process.”
Cobbetts laid off 69 people in the last financial year.
Readers' comments (10)
Cobbed Off | 28-Aug-2009 4:06 pm
Why does Cobbetts always take it in the neck while other Manchester firms get away with this on the sly? I have friends at Addleshaws and Eversheds who are on 4 day weeks, but this hasn't been given the same level of coverage.
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Collaterly Sisters | 28-Aug-2009 4:10 pm
That's funny - I have read about loads firms doing four day weeks on this website.
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Anonymous | 28-Aug-2009 4:14 pm
Oh, you Southerners! Poor old Cobbetts kop one for not sucking up to London media types and will suffer a year's bad press as a result. To add insult to injury, you describe them as "The North East firm".
At the risk of sounding like a stroppy Northern Monkey and a pedant (what a combination!), their Northern offices are in Manchester (North West) and Leeds (Yorkshire). Yorkshire is NOT the North East - that's Newcastle and environs.
Sorry to be pedantic, but describing Manchester and Leeds as being "North East" shows the kind of ignorance which would see someone like me label Putney as being a poncey, pretentious pit full of Public School Hoorays.
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Anonymous | 28-Aug-2009 4:38 pm
Cobbetts are only doing what any good business should do in hard times and that is to try and save jobs and prepare for the upturn that will come; the fact that they appear in the press more than other firms should not be seen as a negative, if anything it shows people that Cobbetts still exist, and as a firm are not frightened to do what is hopefully right for the future.
Before anyone comments, I have no interest in, or connection with, Cobbetts.
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James Bone | 1-Sep-2009 2:39 pm
Er - someone has obviously never been to "Putters"
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Ex Cob | 3-Sep-2009 0:02 am
Cobbetts is suffering as a result of a failed expansion (the BIrmingham office just does not fit - end of), a flawed marketing strategy (property focussed and an obsession with FTSE 250 businesses), an expensive office refurb / relocation agenda (which clients do not care for) an uninspiring leadership. Sad for those still there but you can't turn the Titanic that easily.
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Anonymous | 3-Sep-2009 3:27 pm
Do as I say, not as I do!
They seem to be steamrollering ahead with the 'risky' Option 3!
http://shorterlink.org/5857
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Arnie | 3-Sep-2009 10:57 pm
I admit it that I'm a journalist, so I'm naturally stupid, but what exactly is Option 3?
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Anonymous | 4-Sep-2009 11:39 am
Option 3? - the link was incorrect, try
http:\\www.shorterlink.org/5857
And in case that doesn't work, it is a link to an employment article on Cobbett's website:
http://www.cobbetts.com/PublicationsEvents/AllPublications/EmploymentMattersAugust2009changingtermsandconditionsofemployment
Option 3:
Impose the changes, and leave it to the employees to decide how to respond. Employers could take the risky approach of unilaterally changing terms and conditions, however, this is a very contentious route and is likely to lead to costly litigation. The employee may:
- Work under protest and claim breach of contract/unlawful deduction from wages;
- Claim constructive dismissal if there has been a fundamental breach of contract;
- Refuse to work under the new terms.
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Anonymous | 22-Sep-2009 12:55 pm
Cobbetts only think on the hirearchy first and us staff then get told minutes before publication what is what. After taking unpaid leave, reduced hours now 4 day working whilst promotions are still be undertaken in the firm - where is the justice in that!
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