Ernst & Young France (E&Y) is to
cut 212 jobs in its audit, transactions and advisory practices
primarily in the Ile-de-France (Greater Paris) region.

The cuts represent less than 5 percent of
its total workforce.

E&Y country managing partner Jean-Pierre
Letartre said the voluntary departures will mainly impact staff
with at least three years of professional experience. Another 95
support staff from E&Y offices across France will also be asked
to leave the firm.

Letartre forecasts that E&Y revenues in
France will fall by about 5 percent in the financial year to 30
June 2009.

He expected a similar drop in activity for the
next fiscal year but confirmed that E&Y still expects to
recruit 400 graduates in France this year.