Salary mis-stated for new job

dalliance

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post but it's the nearest topic I could find. Apologies if I'm in the wrong place.

I recently started a new job and received my first payslip this week. The gross monthly pay was about £40 short of what I had worked it out to be so I queried it.

It turns out that an error had been made on my offer letter (the job wasn't advertised so the offer letter was the only place the salary was written down) and the intended salary was £500 pa less than that quoted.

Payroll have referred the issue upwards and I'm waiting to hear. My view, which I stated, was said that I expect to receive the salary quoted in my unconditional offer letter.

Am I right in thinking that legally the employer will have to honour the salary stated in my letter?

kelloggs36

Perhaps any contract lawyers are on here? Is there a separate contract, or is the contract the letter?

dalliance

Thanks for your reply. There is a contract but it doesn't state the salary. The letter is the only place the salary is written down.

kelloggs36

Did you discuss the salary at the interview?

DazedByTheLight

They may or may not have a legal obligation but they should surely morally honour what they put into your offer letter. Any decent firm when weighing up £500 against a happy employee must choose the later...right?

Savvy_Sue

I don't know for certain, but a call to ACAS might clarify things.

dalliance

I was told at interview that the salary was "about £**,000". The letter gave a figure at the top end of that thousand but they're now quoting a figure much nearer the bottom.

Thanks for suggesting ACAS. I see they have a free helpline so I'll certainly give them a ring.

dalliance

I've heard informally that HR aren't willing to pay the stated salary. Their policy is apparently to apologise in these situations as "don't want to set a precedent".

I've asked for a written explanation and will take it from there. Perhaps to my union rep.

kelloggs36

Well if they don't want to pay it, they shouldn't offer it in the first place then should they? Honestly some companies make me sick!! Don't drop it, go all the way mate!

Savvy_Sue

dalliance wrote:

I was told at interview that the salary was "about £**,000". The letter gave a figure at the top end of that thousand but they're now quoting a figure much nearer the bottom.

So they make a habit of doing this?

What did ACAS say?

Emmzi

I would be inclined to ask them to stick to what is written down.. it'll cost more than £500 to find a replacement if it's a half decent job/skillset.