Other than the Halliwells debacle, there has been a comforting absence of redundancies over recent months. But is that about to change?

Three or four associates may be facing the chop in Trowers’ public sector practice – the impending public sector cuts are understood to be causing the jitters. However, no final decision has yet been made.

Two corporate partners have also opted for unpaid leave this month; not a good sign.

Meanwhile, other regional firms are also understood to be bracing themselves for the cuts but mutterings of further layoffs have not surfaced, so far at least…