Sponsored slavery

An update on City firm Dechert's recent slave auction, which raised more than 3,000 for the two charities involved, Hope and Motivation, as sponsorship money for a Pyrennes walk in June (see [2002] Gazette, 21 February, 13).

We understand that the hapless slaves bought for 12 hours earlier this month had to perform a series of tasks, such as shoe polishing, singing pop songs, Irish dancing, foot massaging, making coffee, cleaning photocopiers and general flattery of their temporary masters.

If there are trainees reading this who think that - with the possible exception of the singing and dancing - this sounds like a regular day for them, it might be time to consider some career options.