Pay rise request

bikebarbie

Hello, sorry this is long

I have had an appraisal last summer after 3 years employment and the feedback was great. I have the paperwork signed by my manager and HR that I was doing a great job, that I am one of the top two people in my department and that there is nothing else I should improve on just carry on as I am doing.

However when I asked for a Payrise they said that as they were still not sure about the market (as still in recession) they could not say yes but agreed to review in 6 months.

At Christmas the boss said that as we were doing so well in business that as a reward every employee would get a hamper, and we did.

Last week I asked about my payrise and they still said that they have not made a decision because:
* a lot of people have asked, some with higher 'priority' than me
* and they dont have so much money to increase all

However I know as a fact that two people who started working with us (two months ago), one of which performance is awful and she is thinking of leaving, the both started at £2K above me.
My Job is being advertised with a start pay of £2k more and £4K max above may pay rise.

Apart from the difference in length of employment, the other difference is that I also manage clients abroad as well as UK (as I speak a second language) whilst they only deal with Uk clients, and also do various other work to help out other departments.
Being one of the most senior there I am always being asked for help and those two people who started a couple of months ago always come and ask me for help!

This is the first payrise I asked since I started working there and it has been rejected, yet another colleague has asked a payrise every year since he has started (2 years ago) and got one every time. When I asked they said that the second time he asked he was lucky to get it because the boss regrets it giving it to him, and only approved it because he was in a good mood :mad:

I feel quite disgruntled to be honest as I know I am a good worked, they told me so, have excellent attendance, low sick time off...
yet they wont give me a payrise.

What can I do apart from looking for another job?

Thanks

Russe11

Try the construction/building industry just to name one where you get told the money is going down all the time.

Gordon_Hose

There's nothing you can do. Apart from looking for a better paid job.

Pay rises are discretionary, not an entitlement. My girlfrind hasn't had a payrise in 3 years "because of the current state of the market".

You've got a job, think yourself lucky.

pjcox2005

There is probably limited amounts you can do without looking for a new job. It's a common occurrence that those willing to move around have a strong starting position at negotiating their salary with a potential employer than those already being employed.

The only suggestion I can offer is to ask whether you are asking for a pay rise in the right manner e.g. are you raising it with the appropriate decision maker, raising the question at the right time (rather than asking half hearted in passing) and whether you've gone to any attempts to show a rational behind it. On the last point, perhaps set out starting pay, lack of pay rise, impact of inflation, skills developed over the course of time, expected salary in the industry/role and most importantly the value you are adding to the business. Laying it out in a little detail (I wouldn't suggest going overboard on it) may make the decision a bit clearer for the individual.

End of the day though if they know you won't be looking for a new job then does this make it easier to keep salary the same.

(Finally, perhaps the management have more discretion at non-salary incentives - is there anything in this area you can think of?)

bikebarbie

pjcox2005 wrote:

End of the day though if they know you won't be looking for a new job then does this make it easier to keep salary the same.

thanks this is a good point. I think I' m not 'ready' to look for a new job now but I'm just going to bite the bullet until I am ready to move on.

Gordon_Hose wrote:

You've got a job, think yourself lucky.

that's another way to look at it!

BackOnTrack

If your performance is good and they are starting new people on more than it's time to start looking for a new job. The only time I have heard of new people starting on higher salaries than existing staff is when the existing staff have very poor performance.

If you are allowed to use the internet for personal use at work then start looking at jobsites etc. on your lunch breaks. Certainly you shouldn't quit unless you find something else but they are walking all over you at the moment and paying you less than new starts is really taking the p!ss.

It might be worth making something formal of it. Raise the issue of your salary, your performance and the rate new starters are receiving in writing to your manager and perhaps HR.

If the company gives a damn about you and the boss see's you looking for jobs, when you are entitled to look for them, then hopefully you might see something happen.

Don't do anything that will get you sacked, and if you are permitted to use company internet for personal use on breaks etc. then you are permitted to use it to look for a new job, but stand up for yourself and get what you deserve.

Oh ignore anyone who tells you that you are lucky to have a job and as a result you should put up with crap like this they are bloody idiots.

Strider590

bikebarbie wrote: »

Last week I asked about my payrise and they still said that they have not made a decision because:
* a lot of people have asked, some with higher 'priority' than me
* and they dont have so much money to increase all

"Priority"

Bosses delegate work to others, this mean's your achievements are your bosses achievements.... The boss has achieved far more than you, the boss gets the pay rise first!

Judith_W

If they are advertising your job at a higher salary, I would confront them and ask why you shouldn't just apply for this job to get the payrise. Say that they are clearly not giving you a competitive rate and be prepared to move if they are not happy to give you a payrise. From the sound of things there is no set agreement, whoever shouts loudest gets the money so go for it. Obviously don't be rude but don't take it lying down.

You will have to be prepared to move though if you feel you are being unfairly treated.

bikebarbie

Judith_W wrote: »

From the sound of things there is no set agreement, whoever shouts loudest gets the money so go for it. .

you are spot on, that's exactly the environment/mentality here

thanks

sexki11en

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot you can do.

I haven't had a payrise since 2006 when I started here. I nkew the business wasn't doing particularly well but I asked anyway. I was refused (expected) so I got myself another job with a 75% payrise (for less work!)

My bosses are sad to see me go after so long, and I take a lot of responsibility here, but unfortunately, I need the money, and have to look after myself. You'll have to look at it that way too. The sad thing is, in your case, if you leave, they'll be paying more out anyway to replace you!

Good luck whatever you do.

SK x

paulmk_2

It is well known that women often get paid less for doing the same work as a man. I know you mentioned that a male work colleague got a pay rinse and you didn't. Do you know if this takes his pay higher than yours [I am assuming he does 'work of similar value' - it does not to be exactly the same job]? If so you may have a claim for sexual discrimination. Also, have the new starters that have been taken on been male or female? Again if male and been put on higher pay this could also amount to sexual discrimination. Unfortunately, many private sector businesses pay what they can get away with; staff can be instructed not to talk about their personal pay package [as part of their contract of employment] and so it is not uncommon to find people in an organisation doing work of similar value but being paid at different rates.

You need to take a long hard look at your position. Do you enjoy the work you do? Do you get on well with your colleagues? is your journey to and from work reasonable? Is the working environment good? Is the company stable and does it seem to be weathering the recession? These are all things you might want to take into account. A friend recently moved from a reasonably secure position for more money and ended up out of work six weeks afterwards! In hindsight - not a good move.

Equally, although it is your right in law you may feel that you don't want to raise a claim for sex discrimination with your employer because of how this might impact on your day to day working relationships. But you may want to seek independent advice from ACAS or your local CAB, just to see if this might provide you with extra leverage in any future discussion.

Final thought. You mention that you help out other colleagues. Is this part of your role - or do you do this out of the goodness of your heart? If the latter I suggest that in future you politely say you are too busy with your own work and direct them to their boss. If their boss is the same as yours he will soon start to see the 'hidden' contribution you are making to staff development!