Job offer - same day contract arrives, current employment offers a raise

Fluffi

Depends ... how much of a difference is there between the 2 salaries now? There is a big difference between 2% and 10%.

You mention the new role is in a different specialty and that the pay scales are lower anyway at the new place so to me it sounds like even if they did match the salary from the current company then your friend would be looking at smaller pay rises in subsequent years until they "fitted" back into the pay scale.

Does your friend have a good reason for moving to a company with lower pay scales, like more interesting work, shorter working hours, shorter commute or flexi time?