Simmons lays off 91 as consultation concludes

Simmons & Simmons has finalised its redundancy consultation with 91 members of staff laid off, an increase on the firm's initial announcement that 69 jobs were at risk.

While the initial consultation - which began in February - has resulted in the departure of 73 members of staff, the firm has also performed a separate review of its business development and marketing functions which led to a further 18 members of staff losing their jobs.

The 73 redundancies made as a result of the original consultation comprised 18 associates, 41 secretaries and 14 business support services staff - slightly more than the firm's initial statement that up to 20 associates, 35 secretaries and 14 other business service and support staff were at risk.

The firm explained the discrepancy in the number of secretarial cuts by saying that in some cases one role was split between several part-time workers.

Simmons made just three compulsory redundancies, with the remaining departing staff members opting to take voluntary redundancy.

In addition to pay covering the notice period, it is understood that the voluntary redundancy package offers two and a half weeks' pay for each year of service. The minimum pay for compulsory redundancy is six times two weeks' pay, while the minimum for those accepting voluntary redundancy will receive eight times two and a half weeks' pay.

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