McCann lays off ten to lift ‘efficiency’

McCann-Erickson has made at least ten redundancies within its account-handling and creative teams in London.

The cuts are described by McCann as part of a process to “match agency resources to client needs”, but they are also being blamed on poor trading conditions – despite the agency having increased its billings by almost 12 per cent (Register-MEAL) in the year to April (MW June 16).

It is understood that part of the McCann strategy is to create a more flexible workforce. “The nature of the business is changing,” says McCann director Gareth Coombs.

“These moves form part of a wider rethink, which has been taking place for some time, in an effort to make the agency as efficient as possible.

“We are operating in a cautious market, where clients are only prepared to commit themselves for six months ahead. Trading conditions are not so good that you can carry people,” adds Coombs.

McCann has refused to name the people leaving the agency but says no further redundancies are planned.