24/05/2012

Co-op Announces New Legal Services And Creation Of 3,000 Jobs

The Co-operative Group has announced plans to create up to 3,000 jobs in an expansion of its legal services.

The Manchester-based firm has said it intends to open five regional hubs across England in the next five years.

Mostly legal staff will fill positions, but other roles in IT, HR and legal support, are also expected.

The group said the move would improve public access to legal services such as will-writing, conveyancing, personal injury claims and others.

The company's current legal services centre is located in Bristol and employs about 450 people.

Group chief executive Peter Marks, said it would create the largest consumer law business in the country.

"We intend to be totally consumer focussed and will help customers navigate the legal world so that they are much more comfortable with the experience and outcomes," he said.

"Our ambition is to provide a service that will stop people feeling daunted by the prospect of having to work with a solicitor."

The Co-operative said its expansion had been made possible after changes to the Legal Services Act, which allows a major brand to offer a range of consumer legal services previously only available from private solicitors.

(H)


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