The decision follows the conclusion of a consultation, which showed overwhelming support for retaining the status quo.
Trainee Solicitors’ Group chair Melissa Worth told Lawyer2B.com: "It’s interesting that the SRA has stated that it will maintain the minimum salary "for the time being". It seems that notwithstanding the overwhelming support of the minimum salary further to the SRA's own consultation, the SRA is still questioning its commitment to safeguarding those training to be solicitors.”
“I fully expect that the proposed changes to the training contract will be used as a "back door" to abolish the minimum salary. This would be misguided at best. Whether an aspiring solicitor is on a formal training contract or not they should be afforded protection from exploitation and allowed a fair opportunity to embark upon training regardless of their wealth," added Worth.
The minimum salary, which at the moment stands at £17,110 in central London and £15,332 outside London, will be increased in line with inflation on 1 August 2007.
Comment on this article
