More than 40 partners have left big four consulting firm EY in the second half of 2023, more than double the long-term average, as the partnership pushes out leaders not bringing in enough business and those with behavioural issues.

The forced exit of more than half of the 40 or so exiting partners is a signal to EY’s wider partnership – and the wider professional services sector – that there is no longer room at the top of the big four for those unable to generate sales in the current difficult economic environment and that poor behaviour will no longer be tolerated.