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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think it's odd to be paid more than your manager?

33 replies

KenAdams · 18/09/2024 23:06

Who happens to be the PM?

The BBC are reporting today that Sue Gray is paid more than Keir Starmer.

She's not even at the top of her band.

Surely the top of the band for civil servants should sit below the salary of the PM?

I wonder why she said no when she was told to reduce it by a few thousand because of the optics?

BBC News - Keir Starmer's top aide Sue Gray paid more than the PM
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx247wkq137o

OP posts:
WanOban · 18/09/2024 23:21

AbitSceptical · 18/09/2024 23:11

Technical specialists (rare skills/knowledge) often make more than generalist managers (more common skillset). It’s supply and demand.

Yep this is true where I work. Lots of highly trained specialists are paid more than managers- and quite rightly too.

Original poster
KenAdams · 18/09/2024 23:20

MidnightPatrol · 18/09/2024 23:10

PM an elected position.

Civil servants are employees.

How do you get the best people in the civil service without paying them market rate salaries? Any number of jobs people with those abilities could go into elsewhere and be paid a lot more.

I’d also say - in roles where total compensation is performance based it’s not unusual for more junior employees to have higher salaries eg sales people.

Edited

She's Chief of Staff isn't she, so not on commission?

As per my comment above, I'd think we want to attract the top talent to be PM, so why does that rule only apply to advisors?

I'm was hoping for a change in attitude and accountability at the top but no such luck so far. I'm public sector and have to be whiter than white, I can't even accept a Christmas gift from anyone with an interest in my organisation, so it doesn't look good so far.

OP posts:
AppleKatie · 18/09/2024 23:20

The PMs salary is artificially depressed because well politics.

As a consequence you get unfortunate situations like this.

Original poster
KenAdams · 18/09/2024 23:17

AbitSceptical · 18/09/2024 23:11

Technical specialists (rare skills/knowledge) often make more than generalist managers (more common skillset). It’s supply and demand.

Does the same not apply to elected officials though?

OP posts:
AbitSceptical · 18/09/2024 23:11

Technical specialists (rare skills/knowledge) often make more than generalist managers (more common skillset). It’s supply and demand.

MidnightPatrol · 18/09/2024 23:10

PM an elected position.

Civil servants are employees.

How do you get the best people in the civil service without paying them market rate salaries? Any number of jobs people with those abilities could go into elsewhere and be paid a lot more.

I’d also say - in roles where total compensation is performance based it’s not unusual for more junior employees to have higher salaries eg sales people.

jazzyBBBB · 18/09/2024 23:09

I'm sure the pM is getting plenty more when you take into account housing, food, cars etc.

Fuuf · 18/09/2024 23:07

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