Paralegal Redundancies
Conveyancing Paralegals affected by the downturn in the housing market
We have been made aware of nearly 50 conveyancing Paralegals who have been made redundant in the Central Belt in the past month. This is a very serious indication of the downturn in the housing market due mainly to the lack of mortgage facilities.
It appears to us to be somewhat short sighted of legal firms to pay off their Paralegal staff rather than attempt to find a short term solution (e.g. part time hours or unpaid leave) as after the summer the market may pick up again. However, Financial Experts are forecasting that the market will get worse before it gets better and employers will have to change their forward planning to account for this.
Some Paralegals went into work and were simply told to finish that day, with no redundancy procedure being followed or details given of what their redundancy package would be. At the end of the day it has been disappointing that people have been treated in this manner, particularly as some had been employees of the firms for over 5 years and held responsible positions and relied on their income.
Those conveyancing Paralegals who also provide trust & executry work are finding they are in a more secure position at the moment-there will always be work in that field! For others there are still some jobs being advertised but due to the time of year there is a demand for admin and secretarial roles on a temporary basis and this can be a short term solution for some although we appreciate perhaps not ideal.
We are keeping an eye on the situation and welcome contact from any Members who have been affected by the changes. We will provide what support we can.
Christine Lambie-President.
**If you use your work address & email for contact details and no longer work at the firm please remember to provide us with new contact details so we can keep in touch with you-email chrissieholroyd@lawscot.org.uk with any changes**