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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To find salary offered an insult?

508 replies

Willowtree5 · 16/10/2025 14:20

As part of a restructure, I have been asked if I would take on three direct reports (I currently don’t manage anyone, but have in the past - big pull of current role was no line management responsibility).

I said I’d consider it - whilst I know I can manage people, it does add to my workload and the ‘mental load’ of dealing with all the crap around sickness/absence, 1:1’s etc.

My manager said she’d establish what additional uplift to my salary would be possible and let me know.

They’ve come back with an offer of £125,000 (current salary pre bonuses £105,000) which I find frankly insulting given the workload this would add.

AIBU to tell them to stuff it?

OP posts:
Rumpledandcrumpled · 16/10/2025 14:57

You come across as you just don’t want the job, resentful and happy to leave. So do so, if you can walk into another role then do that.

Natureben · 16/10/2025 14:56

Could you have the uplift amount paid as pension contributions instead of salary, ie set up a salary sacrifice arrangement? That could be a lot more beneficial to you financially.

Horserider5678 · 16/10/2025 14:55

Holdonforsummer · 16/10/2025 14:25

I earn £52k and manage six people. I think you are being greedy.

I earn a similar salary to you and manage 25 staff 🤦‍♀️

Coffeecakebakes · 16/10/2025 14:54

The £20,000 uplift does not seem unreasonable. However as your marginal rate of tax will be 60% you will only be £8,000 better off, so I would say no.

nosleepforme · 16/10/2025 14:54

Seems like a very fair offer

Seelybe · 16/10/2025 14:54

@Willowtree5 if you say no might they make you redundant and re-advertise the post to include the line management? And if so could you easily get another job at equivalent salary without a line management element?

InterIgnis · 16/10/2025 14:54

Frankenpug23 · 16/10/2025 14:53

Just decline- no one wants a manager that’s uninterested and just wants the money!! Especially after your response above people should be spared from your ‘management style!’

The offer is perfectly reasonable.

Edited

Not if others doing the same job are making £150k it isn’t.

Northernlights19 · 16/10/2025 14:54

Willowtree5 · 16/10/2025 14:43

Have you tried living in London as a single person with nursery age kids?

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Of course they haven't. No one has ever lived in London on minimum wage have they. Especially single parents. Never happens

Tryingatleast · 16/10/2025 14:54

Twenty thousand- nearly some people’s wage for a year?! Yabvvu

Frankenpug23 · 16/10/2025 14:53

Just decline- no one wants a manager that’s uninterested and just wants the money!! Especially after your response above people should be spared from your ‘management style!’

The offer is perfectly reasonable.

notthemayo · 16/10/2025 14:53

Holdonforsummer · 16/10/2025 14:25

I earn £52k and manage six people. I think you are being greedy.

I’m with you on this one. I’m on £63k and co-manage a school with around 70 staff.

£125k is a bloody good deal, OP. Even if the staff are nightmares to work with.

Northernlights19 · 16/10/2025 14:53

Willowtree5 · 16/10/2025 14:47

More fool them. Is that a retail role? Seems incredibly low for that responsibility unless it’s casual/shop floor staff.

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Ah, you look down on people in other professions. Makes sense now.

InterIgnis · 16/10/2025 14:52

It’s an insult if others in that position are making more than £125k, yes. It also puts you right over the 60% tax threshold, which hardly makes it an attractive proposition.

I would see if there’s scope for negotiation, and if not then I would refuse the position (or leave for a job that’s offering a better wage).

TippledPink · 16/10/2025 14:51

I manage 7 people who in turn manage 30 odd between them for £65k with a whole lot of risk attached to my job in terms of losing my registration if anything goes wrong. £125k sounds amazing for managing 3 staff! But as others say you need to weigh up what your actual take home is.

IDontHateRainbows · 16/10/2025 14:51

You poor thing - they are really taking the piss there offering you £20k on top of an already decent salary to manage 3 people. Take out a grievance
/s

buffybots · 16/10/2025 14:51

Willowtree5 · 16/10/2025 14:47

More fool them. Is that a retail role? Seems incredibly low for that responsibility unless it’s casual/shop floor staff.

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Sales, admin, call centre staff. Salaried, contracted so not casual

Minnie798 · 16/10/2025 14:48

I don't think that the salary increase is an insult ,no. But I absolutely think you should deline. You don't want to line manage and employees deserve someone who does.

Original poster
Willowtree5 · 16/10/2025 14:47

buffybots · 16/10/2025 14:46

My manager manages 20 of us or so for around 45k…

More fool them. Is that a retail role? Seems incredibly low for that responsibility unless it’s casual/shop floor staff.

OP posts:
Shessweetbutapsycho · 16/10/2025 14:47

Hardly an insult!!

Andprettygood · 16/10/2025 14:47

Willowtree5 · 16/10/2025 14:45

If I’m made redundant I’ll get a sizeable pay out and walk into a similar role, so that really doesn’t bother me.

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How long have you been there?

Area the 3 currently your peers?

buffybots · 16/10/2025 14:46

My manager manages 20 of us or so for around 45k…

Original poster
Willowtree5 · 16/10/2025 14:45

Canle1905 · 16/10/2025 14:44

The headteacher of my school doesn't make £100,000 and he is responsible for 2000 pupils and about 250 staff. You might be a casualty in the next restructuring.

If I’m made redundant I’ll get a sizeable pay out and walk into a similar role, so that really doesn’t bother me.

OP posts:
ThirdStorm · 16/10/2025 14:45

I'd be telling you to do it with no extra money! I think you might be slightly out of touch.

MauriceTheMussel · 16/10/2025 14:45

I’d counter - the tax hit is going to be shit, but is there a price point that does work for you?

Irritatedandsad · 16/10/2025 14:45

I think thats a more than fair salary for lower middle management which is what having only three direct reports is. Depends on the industry but I doubt youll get a better offer elsewhere in this climate