National firm Irwin Mitchell has cut 46 jobs in the wake of a rapid digitisation programme, as practices continue to review the need for business services staff.

In August, Irwin Mitchell warned that 110 employees - mainly in business support and group services - could be made redundant. However, a redeployment programme allowed some staff to apply for alternative vacant roles within the business.

Andrew Tucker, group chief executive, said: ‘The rapid changes to how we work and acceleration of our digitisation programme meant that some roles no longer existed in our structure. Over the past two months we’ve explored alternatives to the proposals with representation for those colleagues affected so they could share their views, concerns and ideas. The consultation has been handled incredibly sensitively and I’m proud of those involved and those colleagues who have supported the process.’

The firm said all staff who were furloughed have now returned to work, and there are no current plans to make use of the furlough extension. Partner pay, reduced by 10% throughout the original lockdown period, has now returned to normal.

Earlier this week, Shoosmiths announced it has cut 43 roles after discovering ‘more efficient ways of working’ during lockdown’. Most of the job losses are in business support.