More firms join Clegg’s "Business Compact"
updated on 17 January 2012
A number of firms have signed up to a social mobility initiative launched by the government last year. Allen & Overy was an early adopter, joining in April 2011 when the scheme was announced, and it has now been joined by nine others: Addleshaw Goddard, Ashurst, Baker & McKenzie, CMS Cameron McKenna, Eversheds, Hogan Lovells, Irwin Mitchell, Norton Rose and Simmons & Simmons. The Bar Council and Legal Services Board are also members.
As reported in Legal Week, the Business Compact scheme - lead by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg - requires participating organisations to commit to initiatives designed to benefit low-income or minority ethnic groups, including encouraging staff to become mentors and ensuring equal access to work experience placements. They must also advertise placements through schools and online, and offer expenses or accommodation for interns.
Some of the same firms also signed up to PRIME in September 2011, which is specific to the legal sector but has similar aims.
