International firm Taylor Wessing today became the latest high-profile practice to announce plans to cut back-office jobs, revealing that more than 30 business services roles are at risk in London.

In a statement the firm said ‘up to’ 34 roles could be at risk. It proposes to run certain business services tasks from its Liverpool office, which opened last October. The firm said it wanted to create about 35 new business services roles in Liverpool. However, 34 of 270 business services roles in London could be redundant by the end of next year.

City firms Ashurst and what was then Ince & Co as well as international firm Baker McKenzie have all made, or proposed, cuts to support staff in the past few months.

The Gazette understands that Taylor Wessing will be consulting with those potentially affected immediately. If the proposals go ahead, a staggered move of work to Liverpool is expected. All those impacted will be offered additional support and the opportunity to relocate to Liverpool.

The consultation is expected to last between four to six weeks.

Managing partner Shane Gleghorn, said: ‘This review comes with challenging decisions that have not been taken lightly, but also presents many opportunities. Our strategy will help us to invest in technology and new skills. We have, for example, developed some exciting legal technology and we need to further support the development of such initiatives. The new model will allow us to support our clients and grow our business.’