Camerons offers £7.5k for deferring trainees

CMS Cameron McKenna has become the latest City firm to ask trainees to defer their start dates.

The top 20 UK firm has asked trainees due to start in August 2009 and February 2010 to defer for 12 months - offering a no-strings payment of £7,500. The firm is hoping that around 15 of the 65 offered a training contract will accept the offer on a first come, first served basis.

The firm said the decision was taken in order to better meet the needs of the business and to ensure that trainees joining the firm have a full and busy period of work experience. The incoming trainees have until 1 May to take up the offer.

An internal announcement by managing partner Duncan Weston (pictured) read: "This is a decision that has not been made lightly but is in line with the majority of firms in the City."

"We remain completely committed to all of the individuals who have offers to join as trainees in the next 12 months and we believe that this offer is in the best interests of both the firm, and the individuals concerned."

Camerons' decision follows similar moves by firms including Linklaters, Clifford Chance, Lovells, Herbert Smith and Norton Rose. However, Slaughter and May and Allen & Overy have both confirmed they will not be deferring trainees.

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