Exclusive by Matthew Legg Business editor

Last updated at 14:20, Friday, 09 March 2012

Jobs are set to be axed at one of Cumbria’s biggest law firms as Britain’s weak economy continues to hamper local businesses.

John Morris

Burnetts, the Carlisle-based solicitors’ practice, is planning to make a “limited number” of redundancies among backroom staff.

The company has blamed the “bleak” economic outlook for the move.

Consultations are currently taking place with staff at its bases in Carlisle, Newcastle and Whitehaven.

A decision on how many jobs will go will be taken at the end of the month.

Burnetts’ senior partner John Morris said the decision was taken with “huge regret” after a review of staffing levels.

“We are not immune to the effects of the global economic situation,” said Mr Morris. “Since the recession first took hold in 2008, we have done everything possible to protect the employment of our staff, in the hope of an upturn.

“Unfortunately, the economic forecast is as bleak as ever and so, with huge regret, the partners made the decision to review our staffing.

“We have consulted widely and openly with our staff during the review and have adopted many of their suggestions to avoid obligatory job losses. Nonetheless, a limited number of compulsory redundancies may still be necessary.

“Presiding over this review has been one of the saddest occasions of my professional life,” he added.

The firm said the redundancies would not affect staff in “client-facing” roles in order to minimise the effects on its customers.

Burnetts has enjoyed a period of sustained growth in the last decade which has included opening offices in Newcastle and Whitehaven.

The firm has two bases in Carlisle – at Victoria Place and at Rosehill.

First published at 14:10, Friday, 09 March 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk