(Dec 3): EY has proposed eliminating 150 consulting jobs in the UK, in another sign of a weak consulting market that lately has affected big accounting firms globally.

Ernst & Young’s UK affiliate said in an emailed statement that it was having discussions with 150 staff whose positions have been identified as redundant.

The firm also announced that Benoit Laclau, UK and Ireland managing partner of consulting, is stepping down from the role after five years but will remain with the firm to lead technology-driven efforts. The firm is searching for a new consulting boss, EY said.

“EY regularly reviews the resourcing needs of the business. Regrettably, proposals put forward in part of the UK Consulting practice may result in a reduction of 150 roles,” the Big Four accounting and consulting firm said.

The at-risk jobs account for about 3% of EY’s 4,700 UK consulting business and less than 1% of the firm’s overall UK workforce.

EY is not the only large accounting firm that has announced layoffs in the UK this year. Deloitte UK said it could cut 180 advisory jobs in November and in January. EY said it was laying off people from its legal advisory arm.

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