Chief executive David Fennel has confirmed that the firm will recommence annual salary reviews with all lawyers and support staff in the coming weeks, ending a months-long delay implemented after the Brexit vote. In June, Gowling announced that it would be putting the annual reviews on hold until at least ‘autumn’, though bonuses and planned summer promotions went ahead as usual. Now, with summer only just passed, the firm has reopened salary increase discussions and will, as previously promised, backdate any agreed adjustments to the beginning of July.

Playing it safe

‘[Given] the significance of Brexit and the uncertainty and pandemonium in stock markets and the fall of the value of the pound immediately after the result, it was prudent to pause and take stock and see how the markets and the economy reacted to Brexit,’ said Mr Fennel of the pay freeze in August. Several other firms including Berwin Leighton Paisner, Trowers & Hamlins and Addleshaw Goddard all implemented similar delays in the aftermath of the referendum result.

Sources: Legal Cheek; Legal Business