Training opportunities reduced in law firms

13:30 19th May 2009

There has been a sharp rise in the number of UK law firms cutting down their training opportunities and deferring start dates, according to thelawyer.com.

Nearly 40 firms have put back start dates for trainees who were due to begin over the course of the next year, with firms such as Barlow Lyde & Gilbert offering cash incentives for individuals to defer their placements.

Other firms have closed their application periods earlier than expected as redundancy programmes gather more speed than the recruitment processes.

Law firm Clifford Chance told the website: "In light of this year's deferrals and the ¬continuing economic downturn, we are reviewing the appropriate number of trainee contracts we will make available overall for 2011 and 2012."

Prospective candidates put off by the prospect of deferring their training during the recession may consider a career change or computer training to improve their skills set.

In related news, Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, has announced £23 million worth of funding to help numerous training programmes in the London area, which assist people looking for employment.