Professional services firm EY has announced a restructuring within its UK legal services division. Reports indicate that approximately 30 roles have been placed at risk of redundancy as part of the reorganisation.
What has been announced
- In March 2025, EY announced job cuts within its UK legal practice as part of a restructuring programme.
- A reported 30 jobs have been put at risk of redundancy across the practice.
- The restructuring specifically affects staff within the firm's UK legal services division.
About the company
EY is a multinational professional services organisation operating across assurance, consulting, strategy, tax, and transactions.
The firm operates an integrated UK legal practice providing corporate and commercial legal services alongside its core accounting and advisory offerings.
What happens next
Because the restructuring involves a reported 30 proposed redundancies, collective consultation obligations apply under England and Wales employment law.
Where an employer proposes between 20 and 99 redundancies at one establishment within 90 days, collective consultation must last for at least 30 days before any dismissals take effect.
During this period, EY must consult with appointed employee representatives to consider ways of avoiding redundancies, reducing numbers, and mitigating the effects of the restructuring.
Affected individuals are also entitled to individual consultation meetings to discuss how selection criteria apply to their role and explore potential redeployment opportunities.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
Employers often invite applications for voluntary redundancy to reduce or eliminate the need for compulsory dismissals, though acceptance is at the employer's discretion.
If compulsory redundancies are required, the selection process must follow fair, objective, and non-discriminatory criteria.
Employees with two or more years of continuous service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated using their age, length of service, and capped weekly earnings, alongside any contractual redundancy payments provided by EY.
Your settlement agreement
EY may offer departing employees a settlement agreement to resolve potential employment claims in exchange for a financial severance package.
To be legally binding in England and Wales, a settlement agreement requires the employee to receive advice from a qualified independent legal adviser, such as an employment solicitor.
Employers typically provide a contribution towards the employee's legal fees to cover the cost of obtaining this mandatory independent advice.
Common questions
How many roles are affected by the EY legal practice restructuring?
It has been reported that approximately 30 roles are at risk of redundancy within EY's UK legal services practice.
How long must the redundancy consultation period last?
Under UK law, when an employer proposes between 20 and 99 redundancies, collective consultation must continue for a minimum of 30 days before any employment contracts are terminated.
Who qualifies for statutory redundancy pay?
Employees with at least two continuous years of service qualify for statutory redundancy pay. The payment is based on statutory age multipliers, years of service, and a statutory cap on weekly pay.
Do I have to accept a settlement agreement?
No. Signing a settlement agreement is voluntary. If you choose not to sign, your employment may terminate under standard redundancy procedures, and you retain your statutory employment rights.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors provides independent legal advice to employees facing redundancy and those offered settlement agreements. We review the agreement terms, explain your statutory rights and severance entitlements, advise on potential claims, and negotiate terms where appropriate, typically within the legal fee contribution provided by your employer.
Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.
Sources
- EY announces job cuts in UK legal practice as part of restructuring - Canadian Lawyer — Canadian Lawyer (20 March 2025)
- EY restructures UK legal practice with 30 jobs at risk - Financial News London — Financial News London (19 March 2025)
Last updated 9 September 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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