Right for pay increase to be backdated

angelfirevixen

I got promoted back in April this year and as of 1st October I passed my probation which give me a pay increase. I was informed that this had been authorised and sent to head office to sign off on for my November pay and it would be backdated to 1st October. Imagine my surprise when I received my November pay slip to find my pay increase had not taken effect. After contacting HR, they confirmed that after checking with head office, that all pay increases were to be deferred to JAN/ 21 and it was to be submitted again then. My manager was apparently aware of this but did not inform me or my supervisors. I’ve asked if it will still be backdated and they have said they have asked the question and are pushing for it to be done for me. My question is should head office not automatically backdate my pay increase me anyway without it being pushed? I’ve done my part, why should I worry about literally paying for their choice to defer due to the current climate. If they don’t automatically backdate it, do I have a leg to stand on to contest it?

Undervalued

There is no automatic right to any pay increase ever, unless it is to prevent you pay falling below an increase in the national minimum wage!

So, this comes down to whether there was a contractual agreement that your pay would increase on a certain date. If there was then you have a right to it. However whether is is wise to push the point in the current climate is another matter. How long have you been employed? If less than two years then regardless of "passing" probation you have next to no job security.

TELLIT01

In the current situation I would not be pushing an employer too hard.  They might be looking to reduce their workforce and staff who 'make waves' may be viewed as prime candidates.  I understand that you are annoyed at the situation but you have also said your manager is pushing for it to be backdated. 

angelfirevixen

Thank you for your comments and can confirm that I’m not pushing any more at the moment. Management have asked the question and I will wait for a reply. I have been with the company 17 years this December. I was just wondering when the time comes next year what my rights would be when it does finally go through, in regard to the back pay that I feel I should be owed and I’ve been doing the job that I was to get the pay increase for. Thank you though as outside unbiased views are helpful.

AskAsk

as someone has already said, pay increases are never guaranteed, even if you got promoted as not all promotion will have a corresponding paygrade increase.

unless you received a letter, which stated your pay increase from 1 October, you would not be legally entitled to any pay increase until the company deems that you should be awarded such.  in the current climate, companies are being cautious about pay budget so as someone had mentioned leave it until better times to ask for back dated pay increase.

Brynsam

angelfirevixen said:

 I’ve done my part, why should I worry about literally paying for their choice to defer due to the current climate. 

Pretty much everyone is taking some sort of financial hit as a result of COVID-19. It rather depends on whether you want the company to remain viable so that you have a job. A salary increase for a few extra months for one person may not bring a firm to its knees, but if they are looking for every possible saving, the effect is cumulative - and it's about all an employer can do to increase job security.

Galling? Yes, very! I hope you do get your increase in the New Year.

AndrewXII

Apart of the above advice, you may also find a conversation with union helpful. Generally decisions such as pay rise defers would be consulted with and agreed by union and you would not be the only employee affected. Personally I would also take an understanding approach in the current climate.