More redundancies have taken place at Field Fisher Waterhouse as 31 secretarial and support staff are given the shove.

A&O, which has so far avoided any redundancies in its London office, is restructuring its Hong Kong office, and has entered into discussions with staff about potential job cuts. A number of lawyers are at risk of redundancy. Aside from the redunadancy option, the firm is understood to be considering possible short and long-term secondments to other offices. The restructuring follows the exit of seven partners in October.

Meanwhile, Hammonds Direct, the conveyancing business spun off from Hammonds in 2001, enters into administration this week. Such a casualty is no surprise in this market but whilst management tries to find a buyer for the business, its 250 Bradford employees will have to sit tight…