Spousal visa to IDL while on doctor training programme

[tlp87]

I've been on a spousal visa for nearly five years. I am eligible to apply for IDL 28 days before my current spousal visa expires. The earliest date I can apply is mid-August. My partner is a British citizen. I've been employed with the same organisation for 4.5 years.

I've been accepted on to a doctor training programme where I will be employed as an ST1 from August 1st. My question is whether the Home Office considers the doctor training programmes as 'employment' and whether the salary I receive from the training programme will be considered as meeting the financial threshold? Are there any other concerns I should have when switching employers so soon before my IDL application?

[CR001]

What date exactly did you ENTER the UK 5 years ago?