Pay rise

TELLIT01

Have you actually asked about a payrise in the past 4 years?  If not, why not and if you have what has been the response?  Most employers will have the perfect excuse/valid reason for not offering payrises at present as many have struggled simply to get through the past year.

TBagpuss

OP, do you have a regular appraisal or annual review? Is there a formal pay review process? Have you asked about pay rises? 
From the perspective of the business, they will pay at a rate that takes into account the market value of the role, the benefits you bring to the company, the profitability of the company etc.

As others have said, except where it's necessary to ensure that you are paid the NMW, there is never any right to pay rise, however, you can request one.

IF you do so, it's sensible to do some research first so you can make an effective case - e.g.:
- the realistic  open market rate for the job (taking into account things such as location and company size) 
- the increased value you've brought to the the role - i.e. what are you doing that makes your role more valuation to the company than it was when you started / last had a pay rise, including any additional or better quality work you do, what you do or have done which benefits the company
Cost of living - you can of course cite costs of living but showing that you are under-paid for the market / for the job you are doing is more likely to be effective. 

felinefancy

I can't be more open about the position to explain further but suffice to say, the person 'managing' it is more like an 'administrator' who's come in to sort the business out and therefore doesn't care about the staff, or even have any experience with staff.  I have been looking for another job but being middle-aged, it's not the best time of life to be looking, and with the added challenge of a pandemic and stiff competition it's difficult.  Yes, on reflection I made a very bad move but we don't have crystal balls.  
Other colleages have had no increase in years; no appraisal or review, I'm probably already considered to be paid more than my market value for the type of business it is.

Billy_B_North

felinefancy said:

I can't be more open about the position to explain further but suffice to say, the person 'managing' it is more like an 'administrator' who's come in to sort the business out and therefore doesn't care about the staff, or even have any experience with staff.  I have been looking for another job but being middle-aged, it's not the best time of life to be looking, and with the added challenge of a pandemic and stiff competition it's difficult.  Yes, on reflection I made a very bad move but we don't have crystal balls.  
Other colleages have had no increase in years; no appraisal or review, I'm probably already considered to be paid more than my market value for the type of business it is.

There’s your answer then as to why you aren’t getting a rise. If you are overpaid why would they give you a rise?

74jax

felinefancy said:

I can't be more open about the position to explain further but suffice to say, the person 'managing' it is more like an 'administrator' who's come in to sort the business out and therefore doesn't care about the staff, or even have any experience with staff.  I have been looking for another job but being middle-aged, it's not the best time of life to be looking, and with the added challenge of a pandemic and stiff competition it's difficult.  Yes, on reflection I made a very bad move but we don't have crystal balls.  
Other colleages have had no increase in years; no appraisal or review, I'm probably already considered to be paid more than my market value for the type of business it is.

It may be they are increasing others to be on the same rate as you perhaps? 
Before I ask for a raise, I get market info, competitor info, job adverts etc. If you are paid more than the market value for your work, I'm not sure how you can put a case forward for more.