County may be hub for Co-op’s new legal services operation

The Co-operative plans to create 3,000 jobs in the legal sector as it expands the range of services available to UK consumers.

The group, which already has interests in banking, insurance, pharmacy and funerals, plans to turn Co-operative legal services into the largest consumer law business in the country.

In March, the Co-operative became the first major consumer brand to be granted alternative business structure (ABS) status under the new Legal Services Act.

The Act enables organisations such as supermarkets and banks to offer legal services.

The Act increases choice for consumers, but it also means traditional law firms must raise their game in order to survive.

The Co-operative chief executive, Peter Marks, said that over the next five years, Co-operative legal services would open five regional hubs across England and Wales and set up a family law operation in London, which is on course to launch later this year.

The group’s legal services division, which currently employs 450 staff, is based in Bristol.

Mr Marks said the exact locations of the five hubs was still a “work in progress”.

He added: “They will be dotted around the country to make sure that we have good coverage around the UK.”

Although no decision has been made about the locations, Mr Marks said one of the hubs “could well be in Yorkshire”. He said the expanded legal services division “really fits with our brand”.

He added: “We have done an awful lot of research, and the legal profession is one area where customers are vague about costs and the process.”

Mr Marks said some consumers were very nervous about contacting solicitors.

He added: “It will be a strong, ethical, trustworthy brand behind the provision of legal services.

“Over the next five years we want to fundamentally change the face of legal services and make access far easier.

“It is envisaged that about 90 per cent of the roles being created will be legal functions, while 10 per cent will be made up of support staff.

“We are particularly keen to use our expansion as a way to offer opportunities to young people. Legal apprenticeships and opportunities for study leave will form an important part of this major employment opportunity.”

As well as family law, Co-operative legal services will offer a range of consumer services, including will writing; probate and estate administration; conveyancing; personal injury claims, family law and employment law services.

The Co-operative Group has strong historic links with Yorkshire.

It was created from the merger of the Co-operative Group and United Co-operatives in 2007.

United Co-operatives was formed in 2002 through the merger of Yorkshire Co-operatives and United Norwest Co-operatives. Sheffield Co-operative Society and Leeds Co-operative Society merged with United in early 2007.

Many of the Co-operative Group’s senior staff have Yorkshire connections, including Mr Marks, who was born in Bradford.