Money Moral Dilemma: Should my son ask for another pay rise on top of his recent one?

MSE_Laura_F

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My son's 22 and works in a salaried role. His pay began just above the national minimum wage. Following his last performance review, he was given a percentage pay increase as recognition for his efforts. But with the national minimum wage having increased last month, and the top rate now being paid from the age of 21 instead of 23, the pay increase he worked hard for has effectively been cancelled out. Should he ask for another increase to compensate for this?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.

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Andy_L

Yes

10 characters

Brie

Yes.  worst hey can say is no.

Marcon

MSE_Laura_F said:

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My son's 22 and works in a salaried role. His pay began just above the national minimum wage. Following his last performance review, he was given a percentage pay increase as recognition for his efforts. But with the national minimum wage having increased last month, and the top rate now being paid from the age of 21 instead of 23, the pay increase he worked hard for has effectively been cancelled out. Should he ask for another increase to compensate for this?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.

 If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.
 Got a Money Moral Dilemma of your own? Suggest an MMD.
 View past Money Moral Dilemmas.

His employer is likely to have been aware of when the next minimum wage increase was going to kick in when they awarded him a pay increase, so this might already have been factored in.

Much depends on when his last pay increase was, and when his next performance review/potential pay increase is. 

But why does he need a parent to ask the question here on his behalf, rather than raising it himself? He's 22 and needs to take responsibility - and be allowed to take responsibility - for himself.

lincroft1710

Hardly a "Money Moral Dilemma" !!


Suggest he mentions to the employer that the increase in NMW and age reduction for top rate effectively cancels out his pay rise and would it be possible to have a further pay increase

LinLui

At his age he should be making his own decisions and not having his parent posting his "dilemma" or trying to bolster opinion for him. 

Rd1994

Yes especially if his employer said the rise was due to his performance. 

Agent57

No mention of what your son does.  He needs to demonstrate his value to the employer.  What can he offer to justify his extra pay?  Often early in career, opportunities for promotion or new roles can present themselves.

marylou2121

He needs to research the rate for the job, and if he’s being underpaid base any request for a rise on that rather than minimum wage issue.

lakesider52

Before asking, it would be advisable to check out market pay rates for similar roles and if his pay is below them, he has ammunition to argue his case.

lidl_1

if your son wants his salary reviews linked (albeit silently) to the NLW then mention it,HE is making the link, but be aware it will bite him in future years. also i agree with others, he should be making his own decisions.