Blake Lapthorn has launched its third redundancy consultation since the start of the downturn. Fee earners, business services staff and secretarial staff are in the firing line with up to 33 positions at risk across the firm’s London and southeast network. The first redundancy consultation in September last year saw 33 jobs go and in January the firm made a number of additional redundancies in its corporate and real estate teams.

Meanwhile Addleshaws, which has just launched a redundancy consultation targeting support staff, is looking to avoid redundancies amongst fee-earners by asking them to work a four-day week on 85% pay. The firm is also looking at a number of other flexible working arrangements including additional leave at reduced salary. So, looks like yet more associates may get to make the most of the predicted long hot Summer…