Ashurst is the latest top law firm to take action to mitigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The international firm has asked its staff force across its global offices to work fewer hours for less pay as well as implementing changes to its partner remuneration.
Ashurst staff, excluding those in its busiest areas and those paid beneath a certain threshold, have been asked to work 80% of their usual working hours for 80% pay from May 1.
The firm is reducing its partners’ monthly drawings by 20% for the next six months and is also planning to place some staff on furlough.
In addition, its bonus schedule has been impacted. The firm will pay out 50% of its bonus amounts on time in July, with the remaining 50% to be paid in November.
Salary reviews have also been postponed until November.
Ashurst global managing partner Paul Jenkins said in a statement: ”The health crisis we are seeing in the countries where we operate is unprecedented. We’re all trying to do the best we can to navigate the very different world we now find ourselves in.
“As a global business, Ashurst like many others is affected by the economic disruption being caused by Covid-19. We start from a solid financial position and so far across the firm, our activity is holding up well in the circumstances. We are looking ahead in a responsible way however, and must anticipate that given the global economic slowdown we may see less activity in the markets in which we operate.
“As such, we are managing our business prudently in case the impact is protracted. We believe the measures we are putting in place are in the best interests of the whole firm and will assist in ensuring we maintain outstanding service to clients and our strong performance of recent years.”
The firm is among the latest to enact such measures. Other international firms to have recently introduced measures aimed at protecting their businesses during the pandemic include Norton Rose Fulbright and Dentons.
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