Shakespeares to make 54 redundancies ahead of merger

UK law firm Shakespeares is set to make a wave redundancies of support staff and lawyers as it prepares to merge with Harvey Ingram. A total of 54 employees will lose their jobs. The merger of Shakespeares and Harvey Ingram, forming a combined firm with nearly 800 staff, will be official on 1 October, although they're already operating as a merged firm. Chief executive Paul Wilson said: "While we very much regret that redundancies are necessary, much is being done, as part of the consultation, to offer people potential opportunities across the firm as we reshape the business and close three of our smaller offices. "In line with changes in our industry, economies of scale from our merger and the prevailing market conditions have led us to make efficiencies in our back office areas. "The changes we are announcing will help to consolidate our market position and create a strong platform from which we can continue to expand the business and strengthen our Midlands-wide team of experts. In particular, divesting the criminal legal aid practice is a logical move as it is not a good strategic fit with our core business which is focused on commercial businesses, public sector and high-net-worth private client services."

Shakespeares to make 54 redundancies ahead of merger rollonfriday.com Wed, Sep 12, 2012