Months after the UK government announced unexpected personal injury reforms, Slater & Gordon is consulting on the closure of two its UK offices, a move which could affect 51 staff.
The firm, which is listed in Australia, confirmed consultation began yesterday for the review, covering legal and non-legal staff – of which there are 14 in Derby and 37 in Failsforth, Manchester. Both offices concentrate on personal injury work.
Slater & Gordon, which according to its last annual report has 1,300 people in 13 UK locations, said as part of the consultation it was possible staff could move to other offices.
A spokesperson from Slater & Gordon said: ‘As part of a review of our property portfolio Slater & Gordon has begun assessing the feasibility of closing two of our offices, Failsworth and Derby.
During this process we will work closely with all staff who will be impacted if a decision is made not to renew our lease on the site.
All staff affected have been made aware there is the possibility of redundancy. Understandably, this can be unsettling for staff, but we will, where possible, help individuals find other opportunities within the Slater & Gordon Group.’
Earlier this month, it was revealed the firm faced further inquiry as the company’s lenders appointed their own investigative accountants to look at the firm’s books. The firm’s chief financial officer is already reviewing the accounts, in particular the company’s forecasts.
The firm withdrew earnings guidance late last year, which prompted rival firm Maurice Blackburn to open registrations to shareholders wanting to pursue a class action.
victoria.young@legalease.co.uk
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