How do I reconcile this unfair work situation ?

[Fretfulparent]

Hi I have been offered a job which is well paid. I am to do 2 days. My issue is that the other employee doing 3 days is being paid 50% more. They are less experienced.
The issue is that they are being overpaid due to an error in HR. They are being paid the bank (Locum rate) but in a proper everyday contract with holiday and sick pay.
I have raised this as an issue and been told it is being looked into.
My question is should I take the job Knowing it's unfair?

[Hoppinggreen]

If you didn’t know what your colleague was getting would you think your pay was fair?
Do you want the job?
If the answer to those 2 questions is yes then take the job and once established ask for a pay rise

[maxelly]

If it's a genuine overpayment/error I would expect your colleague will end up reduced to the normal rate pretty quickly and probably made to repay the extra they've been paid as well - particularly if this is public sector/NHS which I suspect it might be as you refer to the bank?

As hoppinggreen says if you are generally happy with the job offer otherwise I would definitely take it. If the other person does somehow end up being kept on the higher rate I would go back to HR and ask that you be put onto that rate too.

Does the other person know you've reported their mistakenly high pay rate to HR by the way? That could get a little awkward!

[Lougle]

50% more would be right, wouldn't it? If you earned £10 for 2 days, I'd expect them to earn £15 for 3 days.

[flowery]

If your colleague is being overpaid due to an error, your employers are not going to perpetuate the situation by paying you the wrong rate as well.

[Tahani]

i was thinking that Lougle, but i think OP means they are 50% more pro rated

like OP is on 10, and colleague is on 22.5 ( so not 5 a day, but 7.50 a day)

[Fretfulparent]

Many thanks fir all your reply's .
The situation has changed in that I started working last week and after 3 days there was an announcement that there was to be a restructuring of the department and everyone is going to have to reapply fir their jobs. My direct boss has contacted me to say I don't have to reapply but interestingly I have had very little info from HR and no response to me

[Fretfulparent]

Sorry pressed post too soon. I am still on a 3 month probation and will be interesting to see what happens.