A MAJOR law firm is to close its York offices with the loss to the city of about 300 jobs.

Minster Law, one of the UK’s largest personal injury law firms, has told its York staff they can relocate to Wakefield or take redundancy.

The firm currently has offices in both Wakefield and in Hospital Fields Road, off Fulford Road, York, but plans to establish Wakefield as a single-site hub for its north of England business operation.

A spokeswoman said:"Work will begin on refurbishment of the Calder Park site in the coming months to enable the business to house its 600 Yorkshire staff in Wakefield when the move out of its York site is complete in November 2018.

"Staff at both sites were advised of the plans yesterday and the majority of York-based employees were notified of the opportunity for their roles to move to Wakefield.

"Those who choose not to remain with the business at the point of relocation will be given full support to find a suitable alternative role over the next 18 months.

"In addition, a small number of facilities staff were advised that their positions may be at risk and have also been offered support throughout the consultation period and beyond."

York Press:

She said about 300 worked in York at the moment.

Managing director Michael Warren said the firm studied a range of information in reaching the decision, including recruitment data that clearly showed its legal services vacancies in Wakefield were filled much quicker than in York.

"Wakefield’s proximity to the M1 and M62 opens our catchment to commuters from a broad geographical area, while still being accessible for our people in Wakefield and York.”

He said the decision would inevitably reduce the overheads associated with running two sites, giving extra resource for further investment in the firm's 'ongoing transformation.'

Director of HR, Debra Cuddy, said the firm invested heavily in training and career development and had a strong track record of supporting people in developing a range of skills not only appropriate to the legal industry, but also the wider business community.

She said this provided them with a competitive edge when looking for external vacancies.