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.