PwC will allow entry-level staff to take some of their salary early and spread top client work more evenly in a bid to improve social mobility in its ranks.

The Big Four firm has unveiled a host of measures designed to support new joiners and prospective recruits from lower socio-economic backgrounds, including an advance of up to a £1,000 of the first month’s salary for school leavers and graduates, and using socio-economic background data when allocating work "to ensure there is fair access to high-profile clients and projects".