The Law Society has today announced restructuring plans for its representational activities, which includes consultation on a redundancy programme. The plans are designed to deliver better representation and a strong suite of services to its members.

Des Hudson, Law Society Chief Executive, says: "With the establishment of the independent regulation and consumer complaints boards, the Law Society is free to focus unambiguously on supporting solicitors. The changes I have announced will begin to put the Society into a better position to meet our members’ expectations."

"These proposals focus the tremendous potential of the Society’s talented staff. I am absolutely determined to secure our position as a first-class membership body and I believe these changes will give us the solid base we need by ensuring that our resources are used to the full to support solicitors. I will be bringing comprehensive business plans to the December meeting of the Council that build on the findings of the survey of the entire profession."

The changes consist mainly in achieving efficiency through reorganising administrative support in finance, for committee work and regional offices and gaining further efficiency in the Law Society Gazette. Money saved will be used to invest in new services for solicitors. A total of 38 posts have been placed at risk of redundancy from a workforce of 488. It is estimated that between 21 and 29 people will finally be made redundant depending on how many are able to find alternative employment elsewhere within the Society, where a recruitment freeze has been in operation for over a year. In addition, there has been a reduction in the number of contractors used to support IT development.

For more information call the Law Society press office on 020 7320 5811.