Accountancy firm EY has warned that 35 of the 55 people working at its Inverness office could face redundancy.
The firm is proposing to stop providing audit and account, compliance and reporting (ACR) services from its base in the Highland Capital, transferring the work other offices in Scotland and Newcastle.
It has begun a consultation process with the 35 staff, based at Stoneyfield Business Park, whose jobs have been placed at risk by the plan.
EY said it hoped to explore “other options” within the company for employees with transferable skills.
The London-based multinational professional services company added that its tax team in Inverness was unaffected by the proposals.
In a statement, the firm said: “EY can confirm that it is proposing to cease the provision of audit and account, compliance and reporting (ACR) services from the Inverness office, with the intention to continue to deliver this service to our clients from other locations in Scotland and Newcastle.
“As a result it is with regret that 35 people have been placed at risk of redundancy and a consultation process has begun. We do of course hope to explore other opportunities for individuals within EY, if skills are transferable.
“The tax team in Inverness is unaffected by this decision. EY remain committed to the Inverness market and our assurance business in Scotland as a whole.”
EY has increased its workforce in Scotland in recent years. Announcing its results for the year to the end of June 30 2016 in October, the company said its headcount in rose above 1,000 during the period across its offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, adding 123 new staff and promoting 131.
