New colleague paid more than me

OrangeProse

1trainer1 wrote: »

my two cents would be that speak to a few other colleagues to see if they are on more than you as well, if they are then start applying for a few jobs and make sure your boss is aware you are thinking of leaving and then if they think you are worth hanging onto they will give you a pay rise. tell them you are applying for other roles as they are better for you financially and they will understand.

I'm sorry, but I really, really, really wouldn't do this. As one or two other people have said, discussing your salary with colleagues is usually contractually disallowed, and is often a disciplinary offence. This 5k is a nuisance and hits your pride and self confidence a bit, but it's not worth getting disciplined or fired over.

Also, repeatedly asking colleagues about what they earn could well make them uncomfortable. Many won't tell you, or will fudge the number. It's a bit like asking people how old they are - try that in an office full of people and see how many straight answers you get! A lot of people are very private about their salaries (although conversely, I also know a few people who enjoy throwing around how much they earn!). You could run the risk of appearing paranoid, which isn't good.

However, 1trainer1's idea of taking a bit of a straw poll of salaries in your industry or sector is quite a good one - you just need to do it in a different way. One good way is to ring up a few specialist recruitment agencies (the ones that deal specifically with your sector), explain your experience and qualifications, and ask the question.

I'd also be careful about putting it about (!) that you're looking to leave. While this tactic might have worked in the 70s I knew a couple of people who tried it on in the last company I worked for who got rather short shrift from their managers. I don't think many companies enjoy being held to ransom by their employees. Unless of course you do something very, very specialised and unique and know full-stop that there's no-one else in the county who could do that job, I would avoid playing this game. You won't win it.

If you want a pay rise within that company, look for constructive ways to achieve it - there are plenty.

Melaniep101

Many thanks for all your helpful replies!

I've decided to sit tight on this one, as I am grateful to have a job right now, and I don't wish to talk myself out of one!

This has happened to me before, where a male colleague was promoted into the same role as me and was given a higher salary than me. My company is very male orientated and I'm concerned that men are recieving better salaries/perks/opportunities here.

However, I'm going to do my best to outperform the males here (including my new colleague!) and build a case for a pay rise.

Many thanks again for your sound advice.

lilac_lady

Melanie - if all the males are paid more than you, you have a strong case of sexual discrimination. Join a union in case you need their help.

junesong

Sorry to jump on this thread, but I feel like I'm in a similar situation.

I am currently on a penny more than minimum wage. Two days ago, all staff recieved letters stating that our annual pay review due in March was being deferred to September. This pay review is based on appraisal grade only. I was under the impression that I was to get this review as well as an increase to match my current level of training. I assume this is held as well.
Having spoken to management, the restrictions on this pay review do not affect any pay increases based on completion of training.

I now find myself in the position where I am training someone who will on the completion of their training will earn more than me, despite the fact she will be below me in terms of experience and time at the company. I know this because I spoke to her, however this will apply to any new starter taken on at minimum wage. I am sure that there is a clause somewhere stating that we do not talk about our personal pay.

If I were to talk to management about this, I wouldn't have to mention that I know what someone else is being paid, as anyone starting on minimum wage and completing their training will effectively earn more than me.

This whole situation has made me feel very undervalued, but with this climate in the company, I'm not sure if it would be worth it to mention it. Would it be likey that they would look at this as an isolated case?

vicshippers

I thought it was illegal for two people doing exactly the same job to be paid differently? Something to do with the new age discrimination laws.

I know that my friend, a prison officer is getting shafted because of this legislation (he has been in the job for years and so on the highest pay grade and has been offered no payrise for the next 5 years whereas the new starters have had their salaries lifted to match his - which in some cases is up to £7k). Over 10 years worth of experience, worth nothing.

Andy_L

No, it's legal.
AIUI the problem is "excessively long" pay scales can be seen as age discriminatory eg until recently in some civil service grades it could take 20 years to reach the top when most of those extra years of experience made no difference to ability to do the job.
IIRC "best practice" is that pay scales of 6ish years or less are ok, anything else might be legally iffy.
Unfortunatelyfor your friend its unaffordable to shorten pay scales and maintain pay differentials, although it's unusual that the're going for one "spot rate" for all prison officers rather than having a band

jobunny

Been a year since someone posted on this subject but anybody out there to give me advice