Bound by contract or equal pay rights? Help!!

[Ellie891]

I need a little help.....

So I was employed by a company as a 'trainee'. My contract was for 2 years on the same pay and then I must stay for a further 2 years. After this time has elapsed I must accept a 'reasonable contract within the business' no further details are given.

My profession is quite specialised and I must complete exams and interviews in order to become fully qualified. I have been employed for 6 months and I am looking to become fully qualified in the next 2 months.

The question arises; my work are pushing me to become qualified ASAP so they can get more use out of me (fair enough) however I will be expected to be doing the exact same work as all the other qualified individuals who are on approximately £12k more than me- albeit they generally have more experience than me, the qualifications and title we would have would be the same.

Am I right to think that this is perfectly reasonable of them due to the fact my contract says no pay rise for 2 years? Would it be unreasonable of me to ask for a slight pay rise after I have become qualified ?

This would entail a lot more responsibilities once I become fully qualified.

Thank you for your help

[OllyBJolly]

Nothing to stop you negotiating a pay rise.

There is nothing illegal in what the company is doing - equal pay legislation isn't relevant here. The company can pay individuals all sorts of amounts for the same job - no rule to say people of same job title/qualifications etc should be paid exactly the same.

After only 6 months in a job you would have to build a pretty good argument as to why you are worth more money now. Are the company funding your training and qualification?