Linklaters introduces trainee deferral programme

Linklaters has offered its future trainees a £14,500 lump sum if they agree to defer their start dates for a year.

The magic circle firm has asked students from across its next two intakes to volunteer for the year out in return for half a year’s salary. The move has raised fears that other top firms will now follow suit.

Accountancy-tied firm KLegal has already asked its trainees to delay the start of their legal careers, as has Norton Rose, which offered 20 students a £10,000 deferral package earlier this year.