300 jobs at risk as law firm closes its doors at HQ

Hundreds of jobs are at risk as the York office of a personal injury law firm prepares to close as part of cost-cutting measures by the struggling firm.

Minster Law is closing its York office, leaving its Wakefield site to service clients in the north of England.

Employees were given the option to move to its West Yorkshire office, which is being revamped for an increased workforce, with works completing in November 2018, or take redundancy in an attempt to reduce overheads after making major losses in recent years.

Its Wakefield offices are being refurbished to house staff of just over 620, but 300 jobs are on the line from its York office.

In its latest available accounts, Minster Law halved turnover from £52.3m to £25.3m for the year to 30 June 2015. Losses on ordinary activities before taxation increased to £35.3m, from £5m the year before.

Minster said this was down to regulatory changes introduced in 2013 as well as changes to accounting policies. It complained of the “highly competitive” personal injury market and said it had invested heavily in people and training.

Minster Law, which was founded in 2003, specialises in personal injury law. It said it has offices in Wakefield and London, as well as its York site.

In 2015 it had 830 staff.

In 2013 Minster Law was acquired by insurance specialist BGL Group, which reported 14% revenue growth last week. It sold Minster in June 2016.

Managing director Michael Warren said that the decision was due to the fact that the firm filled positions more quickly in the Wakefield office, and studied a “range of information” regarding recruitment.

A spokeswoman said: “Work will begin on refurbishment of the Calder Park site in the coming months to enable the business to house its 600 Yorkshire staff in Wakefield when the move out of its York site is complete in November 2018.

“Staff at both sites were advised of the plans yesterday and the majority of York-based employees were notified of the opportunity for their roles to move to Wakefield.

“Those who choose not to remain with the business at the point of relocation will be given full support to find a suitable alternative role over the next 18 months.

“In addition, a small number of facilities staff were advised that their positions may be at risk and have also been offered support throughout the consultation period and beyond.”