Worse off!

deedee71

I can see where everyone is coming from re ACAS and standing my ground, but that's easy in principle. The reality is I could end up with no job.

I've asked for a Professional training course to be paid for, and they have agreed (though they have promised this before). Just need to wait and see.

Thanks, again, for all the support.

[Deleted User]

deedee71 wrote: »

My Income for the remainder of this year will go up £2.5k but for the whole tax year next year will be £5k. I've phoned the Tax Credit office 3 times now.....and in 2010 my total household income is going to reduce by £200 (unless I can negotiate a payrise!).

Elljay - it's good to know it's not just me!

What you have said is wrong - I'm not sure exactly how but it is. There may be other reasons for the tax credits reducing other than the £2,500 increase.

How much was your income in 2008/09 and how much is it going to be for 2009/10?

Do you have a partner? If so you need to take in to consideration the total household income for last year and this year.

To cause a £200 a month difference in tax credits your overall income between 08/09 and 09/10 must be increasing by around £6k.

deedee71

I'm a single parent with tax credits for 2 kids....my income will be increasing by £5k. I know you are trying to help but I've spoken to three different people at the Tax Credits helpline and they are all saying the same. No paperwork has come through yet so I'll wait to see what the tax credit award letter says when it comes.

terra_ferma

Hello Deedee
sorry to hear you can't enjoy your promotion.

I think you could try to push for more money by explaining (in writing) exactly what you said here, that the new job would cost you £200, when you applied for the job you expected a certain salary, and therefore you are not in a position to accept, although you are very grateful for the opportunity etc etc.
Only a stupid manager would expect you to lose money!

Sadly from what you are saying the gender bit may fall in deaf hears. But if you are confident that this is the issue, and end up leaving your job because of that, it could still be constructive dismissal and discrimination, and entitle you to compensation (and rightly so!), as long as there is evidence.
Paying people differently based on gender, age etc etc is simply illegal, and if proven entitles the worker to compensation.

The alternative would be to accept, do it for a year and then find a better paid job at the new level, if that's an option for you.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do!

gingerdad

deedee71 wrote: »

I've just got a promotion I've worked really hard for and waited for for a long time.

Having worked out my entitlement to WTC and CTC, my income is going to drop by £200 a month. What incentive is there to better yourself? I honestly feel like crying.

I think it's worse to know that this won't take effect until the new tax year, as its now going to loom over me for the next 6 months.

Things wouldn't have been so bad but as this was an internal promotion, I was counting on being paid the salary that was mentioned at the interview (the same to all candidates), but the company had decided to pay me £3,400 less than was mentioned.

I can't not take the promotion, as I will then risk redundancy.

It's hard enough to keep going every day without knowing that in 6 months, things are going to be so much worse! Thanks for reading, I don't expect any replies, as there isn't anything to be done is there?

Sadly thats the wonders of a Labour government, keeping the low paid in low paid jobs because they can't afford to get a better one.

Think of it this way you might be worse off for a few months, but hopefully more promotions and better pay will follow.

Good Luck...

SueC_2

This seems like a completely mad suggestion (and you have to question a system that makes it necessary), but why not accept the promotion, but on a lower salary? ie. Keep your existing salary. This way:

- Your CV looks good as you've 'progressed'.
- Your tax credits are unaffected, so you're no worse off financially.
- Your employer has actually saved money.

It's bizarre, but everybody's happy! (Well, apart from the taxpayer, but then, he's never going to be happy!

deedee71

It did cross my mind to do this but because the company is foreign owned (and male orientated), I think it would be too complicated to explain.

When I worked part time they just couldn't seem to cope with it. Even though I had a fully flexible contract, I kept getting comments about being late for work....because I was actually working core hours :rolleyes:.

When the drop in income kicks in, I will have been in the post for a while and will ask for a payrise.....I've never worked somewhere where everyone has to ask for payrises!!

SueC_2

deedee71 wrote: »

It did cross my mind to do this but because the company is foreign owned (and male orientated), I think it would be too complicated to explain.

When I worked part time they just couldn't seem to cope with it. Even though I had a fully flexible contract, I kept getting comments about being late for work....because I was actually working core hours :rolleyes:.

When the drop in income kicks in, I will have been in the post for a while and will ask for a payrise.....I've never worked somewhere where everyone has to ask for payrises!!

I'd have thought any employer would have to pretty hard of understanding not to get, and jump at, the "I don't want a payrise" message. It can't be one that's heard very often!:rotfl:

[Deleted User]

deedee71 wrote: »

I'm a single parent with tax credits for 2 kids....my income will be increasing by £5k. I know you are trying to help but I've spoken to three different people at the Tax Credits helpline and they are all saying the same. No paperwork has come through yet so I'll wait to see what the tax credit award letter says when it comes.

So if your salary between 08/09 has increased by £5k (i assume this is gross and not net), you tax credits would reduce by £1950 for the year which works out at £150 every 4 weeks .

As your salary is going up by £5k you would be on an extra £384 wages every 4 weeks before tax.

Pre-tax your household income is better off by £243 every 4 weeks.

If you have this increase I do not see the issue with losing the £150 (or even the £200 you/tco have come to) when you are earnings £384 more every 4 wks/month.

Tax Credits are means based/tested so it is the same for everyone else.

Go for the new job if you are willing to accept. If you are unhappy write a letter to the HR dept by recorded delivery stating your unhappiness and that you will be taking advice from ACAS as they have withdrawn the initial offer.

[Deleted User]

gingerdad wrote: »

Sadly thats the wonders of a Labour government, keeping the low paid in low paid jobs because they can't afford to get a better one.

Think of it this way you might be worse off for a few months, but hopefully more promotions and better pay will follow.

Good Luck...

The figures in this case are somehow flawed as they dont add up.