Co-op refuses to confirm personal injury redundancies

Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) has announced that it will be restructuring its personal injury division next year, though it has not confirmed reports that up to 60 staff will be axed.

A spokesman for CLS said this morning: "We have announced a restructuring of our personal injury division and formal consultation with staff will begin in the new year.

"We are keen to consult with colleagues in the first instance and are unable to provide further details at this stage."

However, CLS has given details of its new management. Matt Howells, former director of UK secured lending at Barclays, will replace Steven Round as managing director early next year.

One of the founders of CLS, commercial director Robert Labadie, has also decided to leave the business. In a statement the Co-op said he would leave on Friday 29 November, after seven years at the Bristol office.

"He has taken the decision to leave the business for family reasons and plans to move back to Hampshire."

Alistair Asher, general counsel of the Co-operative Group, said: "The Co-operative Legal Services is now established as a recognised provider of consumer legal services.

"The business is already one of the largest providers of family legal aid services in England and Wales. The provision of affordable and accessible legal services to our members is a strategic priority of The Co-operative Group.

"The strategic review of the Group being undertaken by the new executive team will bring sharp focus to the investment plan being developed within The Co-operative Legal Services in order to support its expansion."