Payrise offered on different terms

jibbyboo

I've been honest about the fact I've had a couple of interviews with other companies in the past few months.

My current boss is now offering me a payrise to stay. But one of the new conditions is a personal expectation that I will stop looking for other jobs as they have met what I'm looking for - something that I am extremely reluctant to do, as there are other criteria that they cannot fulfil.

Any reasoned advice would be gratefully received!

StuC75

And how would they know if you were keeping to this? (or not)..

Would there be any other reason for you not to look?, or is there anything else with the current job that is unsettling for you [say on a workload \ type of role level]... Now may be the time to discuss if other roles would offer more progression options..

Seems quite an honest and open Boss, to be offering what you are wanting.. Or are you thinking to look for and push for more??.. Guess the Boss is trying to get a fuller idea of your motives..

Wyndham

I once heard a stat that if someone has been offered a job, but instead stay in their old job for more money, then within 12 months a high proportion have moved on anyway. I don't think from what you've said, that this is just about the money, so either try to get the other things sorted out, or carry on looking.

For what it's worth, I think it's an unfair term to impose. I think even if you are happy in your job you should keep an eye on the job market, just in case, and for reference purposes if you decide you're underpaid compared to the rest of the market!

jibbyboo

Thanks for your reply StuC75 and Wyndham.

As an SME, there is a limitation on progression opportunities e.g. the new role wouldn't be 'moving up' a level per se, it would mean I could be involved with more skilled and difficult work if current duties are fulfilled. So my progression is very limited as the baseline cannot move up.

Also, as is the case with many SMEs, it's impractical to offer employees more than SSP and SMP/ SPP, and a pension.

Additionally, the notice period would double (for roles of a similar level in other companies this would be double the norm).

The problem I have, is that when I raised these initial concerns, I was told that we may have to consider setting a time-limit i.e. if I didn't find a position toward the end of that time-limit, they would assist me to find an alternative position elsewhere. Obviously this is very worrying.

The other thing is that I don't lie - it's a religious oath that I took, and bosses are fully aware of this. Sometimes works to my detriment as in this scenario. So I could not take the job under false pretenses

Takeaway_Addict

Bend the truth?

Yes they have met your current expectations but in one months time those expectations might rise?

The point is, they can't stop you looking elsewhere and how do you break your oath, quit the job before looking for another....madness.

StuC75

Also is there not a difference between Lying & Not telling all the facts?.

Also what would they do in your contract if you were to get another job?

think its more a case to push what your expectations are from them, and that if they keep to what you are looking for then it wouldn't be an issue.

scheming_gypsy

You could always look for a new career challenge. That wouldn't be lying

RancidM

if you insist on being totally honest and transparent, then refuse the pay rise and keep looking.

or make an agreement with the boss that you will take the payrise on the understanding that together you create a plan so together you can work towards for filling your (realistic) desires to a specific time scale.

Reveiw the plan with you boss on a regular basis and if you feel that your boss is unable or unwilling to progress the plan then feel free to resume job hunting.

jibbyboo

Thanks all for the input, greatly appreciate the useful thoughts and suggestions.

My worry is that I decline their job offer, and then don't successfully find a new job to pay my mortgage before their imposed time-limit ends OR I take their job with it's unsatisfactory conditions and promise to not apply for something else.

If my decision results in having to take their job, then I will do what I can to ensure that this is conditional on a time limit in reference to the 'no other job applications' expectation e.g. 1 year.

I'm curious, is that a normal request for an employer to make?

Also, is it legal to dismiss someone who:
- is on a permanent contract
- has been there for over a year in a relatively senior position
on the pretense that he/she wouldn't accept a job offer which required an agreement not to apply for other jobs?

Yorkie1

If you started work after 6? April 2012 then it is completely legal to dismiss you before you've worked there for 2 years, unless it is based on discriminatory reasons such as race, gender etc.

jibbyboo

Would they have to provide a valid reason for doing so, or they can dismiss someone for any reason of their choosing?- aside from discrimination of course as you've stated