DLA Piper has said that its decision to phase out 85 jobs in Yorkshire and move their functions to Poland will not affect lawyers and that it will continue to invest in its Leeds and Sheffield offices.
Sarah Day, the managing director of the firm’s Leeds office and the Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year in 2013, has told The Business Desk that the transfer of some back office roles to Warsaw was needed to “streamline support services” which could “support growth and continued integration”.
“What we’re proposing makes business support more efficient going forward, and allows for the best quality people specialising in different areas to do that,” said Day.
She said that Warsaw was a “global centre for excellence for these services” which would allow “market leaders” to take over DLA Piper’s back office functions.
She admitted that the restructuring was partly down to costs savings, but that it would allow UK staff to do more “exciting” and “interesting” jobs.
“The aim is that the quality of jobs will be further enhanced and improved, meaning more satisfying jobs and better career progression,” added Day.
The consultation on the proposed changes will start on 31 May and be completed by the end of July.
Overall, the firm is looking to outsource 200 jobs in its finance, human resources, marketing, business development and secretarial teams across the UK, the equivalent of 18% of its business support services.
