Growing numbers of trainee solicitors in England and Wales are receiving less than the recommended minimum salary, with over one-third of regional trainees paid below Stg £19,619 a year, the Law Society Gazette of England and Wales reports.

Research shows that 30% of all trainees are paid less than the recommended minimum level, a slight increase on last year’s figure (26%).

Trainees working outside of London are hardest hit, with 35% receiving less than the Law Society of England and Wales’ recommended minimum of £19,619 per annum.

Falling

However, the number of London-based trainees receiving less than they should is falling.

Only 16% of trainees in London are paid below the recommended minimum salary for the capital (£22,121) – one percentage point less than last year and nine percentage points less than in 2017. 

Last February, the Law Society of England and Wales upped its minimum trainee salary recommendations by 2.6%, in line with inflation rates.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has said that trainees must be paid the national living wage.