Calls to the Trainee Solicitors Group (TSG) helpline - including the number of people seeking help over bullying or harassment - have soared by 64%, it was revealed this week.

Some 1,162 calls were received in the seven months between August 2003 and March 2004, up from 709 in the previous review - an increase the TSG put down partly to increased awareness of the helpline.


Of the latest call figures, 13% related to bullying and harassment, or inadequate training and supervision, compared to 14% last time. 'Treatment ranged from insults and sly remarks to shouting at trainees in front of other colleagues,' the review said.


Vidula Patiar, the TSG's education officer, said the report demonstrated the scale of bullying in the profession. 'Some people are very distressed and have got to the stage where they do not know where to turn. Given the nature of the job, many people do not want to speak out for fear of reprisals,' she said.


The TSG called on firms to ensure that trainees have recourse to human resources departments and to advise them to seek help if they feel they are being treated unfairly.


A spokesman for the Law Society said bullying of any staff is unacceptable, adding that the entire profession needs to confront the issue. The Society holds seminars reminding solicitors and principals to treat staff considerately, but attendance is only voluntary.


The spokesman added: 'When it becomes aware of concerns, the Society monitors the relevant firms, but this may not produce the evidence necessary to deal with the issue. Unless the Society is made aware of malpractice, there is little it can do to put things right.'


The largest percentage of calls (26%) to the helpline came from individuals looking for a training contract, particularly from people who had completed the legal practice course and had yet to secure a post, while other callers wanted general advice on a career as a solicitor.


Another problem identified by the review is a failure by firms to give their trainees a clear indication of whether they will be kept on after qualification.


To contact the TSG helpline, tel: 08000 856 131, or e-mail: helpline @tsg.org.