Report this comment to a moderator

A&O boss vows to limit job cuts as firm transfers support function to Belfast

As one of the old girls of the firm, working my way up from the typing pool of Cheapside to the not so heady heights of a PA to an every increasing workload of partners I am shocked. Have just heard that in future if I want to arrange a conference, book meeting room or simply ask the switchboard to connect me to somewhere it will all be done in Belfast. Nothing against Northern Ireland but these girls and boys are always so helpful and cheery on the phone and know there stuff. They had a clear out last year and let the crown jewels go and just as a new team started to get to understand our needs as users they get replaced. Total disgrace. The switchboard/room bookings team are not the highest of paid staff but are the voice of our firm and we can treat them so badly. I feel physically sick to hear it. Managing Parter??? wish he would go manage something else. The old guard may be getting on but they knew their stuff - the bunch of over paid, ego inflated fee earners may make shed loads of money for the firm, but believe me they get handsomely rewarded - unlike the poor switchboard folks and us mere secretaries.... 28 years at A&O and thought I had walked into a different firm today. Tut tut bad form for such loyalty and dedication to the client. Oh well nothing we can do about it but guess I will have to go and polish one of many ego inflated 007's halos !!

4-Feb-2011

3:30 pm