Oh dear. Another consultation announcement; Birmingham based Wragge & Co is set to ‘discuss’ the future of up to 30 fee earners, the firm yesterday announced a 30-day redundancy consultation.

The 30 fee earners affected will likely come from the firm’s London and Birmingham offices, with support staff and secretaries set to escape the cull..

Wragges’ largest practice group – the real estate group numbering 178 – is likely to be most affected by the cull.

Wragges senior partner Quentin Poole said: “It has not been an easy decision, but market conditions have led to a decrease in activity, particularly in real estate. We have to keep the size and shape of the firm under review.”

The consultation makes Wragges the latest in a stream of national firms to announce job losses.

Eversheds

Thomas Egger

Freshfields

Even with the deteriorating marker conditions Wragges announced an increase in turnover of 11.5% for 2007-08 to reach £125.5m – its fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth. Its profits per equity partner meanwhile jumped by more than 15% to hit £483,000.

It’s is a shame, profits are up, but heads keep on rolling.