To think that a promotion at work usually means more pay?

[DizzyFerret]

I work F/T for a small company, and have managed a department for the past three years. Due to restructuring, I've just been asked to take on the management of a second department as well. So I will be taking on a lot more responsibility.

As far as I am concerned, this is a promotion, and I would have thought that I would be given a salary increase to reflect the extra responsibility. However, I've been told that my pay will stay the same for at least six months until I prove I can do the job. According to my employer, this is normal, standard practice.

I suppose what annoys me is that I didn't ask for the job, my employer asked me to take it on, so he must think I am capable of doing it - so I feel a bit aggrieved that he won't put his money where his mouth is, so to speak. Also, I will have to deal with a lot more hassle for no extra reward.

Although I like my job & am looking forward to the new challenge (the money issue won't make me leave or look for something else) my gut feeling is that this is a bit unfair. I don't want to give the impression that I am being greedy or asking for the earth, but a small increase to show they have faith in me would have been much appreciated.

AIBU to feel a bit hard-done-by, or is this really the way it usually works? I am probably a bit naive about employment issues.

Would appreciate your advice/opinions.

I don't know, but where I work if there is a higher position, with more responsibility, available, people apply... and if you get it, you get paid more from the moment you new contract begins.

There's no random promotions here though, everything has to be advertised with the pay scale clearer advertised as well.

It seems utterly shit that you are thought capable enough to be given extra responsibility but not so capable that they'll pay you for it. I'd have probably flounced by now.

Your thread title made me chuckle.

I work for a very large company and have twice been promoted (formal changes of grade, not just changed job definition) without any pay rise.

It's not good, but it happens. If you can get the pay review in 6 months written down as a commitment, and you are otherwise happy, then I would live with it IIWY.

I would perhaps ask that contractually things are altered to a) show the increase in responsibility has taken place - job title change / whathaveyou and b) to guarantee an agreed percentage increase your actual salary after say, 6 months of successfully taking on the extra work.

It works the same way in DH's company, which is a huge multinational. If you are promoted you move onto a higher payscale, but do not necessarily see an immediate payrise.

So, for example, at Grade 1, the payscale might be £20-30,000, and prior to your promotion you might be paid £29,000 (because you are doing well, and at the high end of the payscale). At Grade 2, the payscale might run from £27-35,000, so your pay of £29,000 is lower middle, and gives you scope to move up as you prove yourself in your new role. It's slightly more complex than that, because there is an age/service element in their too, but it gives you an idea.

My experience matches that of stealthsquiggle. If you do well and the company has the money for a pay review after 6 months or whenever, then ok, otherwise tough. And if you don't do it, you may be overlooked for future opportunities. I did it, and got a far higher increase than I could have hoped for (50%!!!) a number of years ago

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated. It looks like I need to get it in writing that I get a pay review after six months, request a job title change, and then work my ass off to make sure I deserve it...

I do enjoy working there, and learning new skills will be good, so I'm not going to flounce yet!