Eversheds has begun its fifth round of redundancies in two years, with up to 100 roles under review as the firm prepares to outsource back office functions to Accenture.
A consultation process has already begun which could affect 100 jobs in finance and human resources across Eversheds’ Birmingham, Cardiff and Leeds offices.
Over the next 12 months, Accenture is likely to assume responsibility for Eversheds’ HR support services and administration, general accounting functions, billing and collections, and business processes involved from procurement to payment.
The firm stated that the preferred outcome will see a “gradual and controlled movement of HR and finance functions” to offshore offices.
The news comes after the UK top 10 firm brought in the consultancy at the beginning of the year to review its systems and processes in a bid to streamline and improve back office systems.
Eversheds managing partner Lee Ranson led the project alongside finance director Kathryn Fleming and head of HR Angus MacGregor.
Ranson commented: “It is important that any major law firm continues to adapt in line with changes in both our sector and the wider marketplace.”
He added: “We have worked over the last eight months to look at how best to deliver some of our HR and finance functions. This proposal would enable us to put in place a cost-efficient, innovative and robust solution, which safeguards quality and enhances client service.
“It is always regrettable when potential redundancies are a part of such a process and we will of course be consulting with all those members of staff who may be affected by this announcement.
“The proposals are to retain impacted staff for a minimum of six months to assist with transition. Those affected will be offered enhanced redundancy terms and comprehensive outplacement support.”
This is the fifth round of redundancies the firm has conducted since September 2008, with the last round of cuts coming in September last year, when 117 roles were reviewed including 22 fee earners in the firm’s real estate practice.
Source : Legal Week
