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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Boss saying I need to work a level above (but not have a payrise)

73 replies

PoesyCherish · 14/09/2018 17:55

Had a chat with my boss yesterday afternoon. He told me today he needs me to be working way above the level I'm at now. He said he took me on at junior level but because of how busy things are he needs me working at a senior level and then hopefully in 18-24 months they'll be able to promote.

AIBU to think you don't employ someone at a pay grade way below what you need them working at? It'd be the equivalent of taking somebody on in the NHS at grade 2 but saying actually no we need you to work at grade 5/6. I'm in the private sector but have extensively looked into the equivalent NHS roles and this is exactly what he's asking. AIBU to think this isn't on or is he?

I'm also worried that as far as he's concerned, I'm still on probation so I'm worried he's thinking if i don't work at the senior level he would try and fail my probation. What he doesn't realise is HR messed up the probation period on my contract so I've actually finished it several months early.

OP posts:
Original poster
PoesyCherish · 14/09/2018 17:55

I realise I screwed up my OP. Not thinking straight. He told me yesterday

Pass me the wine...

OP posts:
Nacreous · 14/09/2018 17:58

I don’t think it’s fair. But ultimately probation or no probation you can be unfairly dismissed until you’ve been there two years and you will have no recourse. I don’t really know what to suggest. Could you get half a pay rise?

mrs2468 · 14/09/2018 17:59

How long does he want you to do it for? I think if it's for say three months I'd be inclined to do it. Some great experience and looks great on the cv and you can apply in other companies with that experience. I don't think it's reasonable for them for you to do it for any longer without being paid for it. Have you asked for reasons behind why no pay rise

EmmaC78 · 14/09/2018 18:00

I suppose if I were you I would be thinking about my long term aspirations with that company and deciding if working there in a more senior role is what I wanted eventually. If it is you need to have a proper conversation (and document) what additional responsibilities you would be expected to take on and when the pay would be reviewed.

Sandstormbrewing · 14/09/2018 18:03

I actually work for the NHS as a band 5 and have very recently been promoted to band 6. As part of this promotion I was working as a band 6 for around 8 months before the promotion, with no payrise. I've also done similar in other jobs.

However if you aren't happy doing it then refuse, though your boss could make you redundant then advertise at a higher level but lower pay, it certainly happens.

But yes, it's shit and YANBU to be annoyed.

RedneckStumpy · 14/09/2018 18:03

It’s not a great situation, but how important is the job to you? If you are going to get rewarded a few years down the line then it may be worth just sucking it up.

maddening · 14/09/2018 18:03

If it builds your CV then I would do it - if you already have similar experience and there are other jobs around that suit then I would be more reluctant.

Usernc12 · 14/09/2018 18:04

Assuming you're female, would a bloke put up with this request? Would they ask a bloke to do the same work without a pay rise or promotion?

MeAgainSparkle · 14/09/2018 18:06

I work in the public sector and had to work at a grade above for 2 years before I was successful in my regrading. I think it’s very common. Of course you can refuse to do it but you won’t progress very far and be stuck at the top of your pay grade for the foreseeable future

Original poster
PoesyCherish · 14/09/2018 18:12

Thing is I don't actually want to progress in this job or even in this sector. At the moment it is just a pay cheque until I can get the job I want to be in.

I don't think I'd mind anywhere near as much if it was in the sector I wanted to bed.

To answer PP about how long, he said 18-24 months before promotion (and payrise)

OP posts:
Sandstormbrewing · 14/09/2018 18:15

Usernc12 actually, DH has just been asked this exact thing (and accepted it).

Fabricwitch · 14/09/2018 18:16

I wouldn't do it and think PP is right that he wouldn't ask you if you were a man. If he needs you to do it, he can pay you to.
It might be different if it was a sector you wanted to work in and only a little extra work

LaGattaNera · 14/09/2018 18:20

Wow potentially 2 years YADNBU OP!!

WrongKindOfFace · 14/09/2018 18:26

Up to two years? No, that’s not acceptable. A brief stepping up is one thing, being permanently being fucked over is another.

Girlsnightin · 14/09/2018 18:33

I'm in the private sector and spouting 'that's not my pay grade' is not acceptable. Sounds like it's not in the NHS either!
It's your call wether you do it or not. Depends how keen you are to be kept on after your probationary period.

Usernc12 · 14/09/2018 18:33

I didn't know the answer to either questions, it's just a way to assess it. Every situation is personal.

For me, I've never been in a job that long so I would not be happy. If they need a level up, they need to budget for it. If they get away with this shit, it pays off for them.

Glumglowworm · 14/09/2018 18:39

I work in the private sector and my employer expects you to work up a level before actually getting promoted. How long it’s for depends on how well you’re doing it (and that it’s noticed by the right people). Even if you’re going for a new role at a higher level, the competency questions at interview will need you to show experience of working at that higher level

However, if you don’t want to progress then YANBU as long as you’re doing a good job at the role you were hired to do.

OliviaBenson · 14/09/2018 18:42

I'd say your doing your colleagues who are on the upper pay level a disservice. It's a way to drive down wages and costs.

How many are there that are on a higher salary? Could it be a case of sex discrimination if you are the only member of staff on the lower pay band? (NB I'm not a lawyer so don't know).

LanaorAna2 · 14/09/2018 18:45

Hmm. It might work for you, but only if you agree that a rise and promotion will take place after max 6 months of you doing it. Do not say, but imply, that you will be out of there like a speeding bullet if that is not the case.

If they need you like they say they do, that is a more than fair offer.

salopek · 14/09/2018 18:49

Did you ask for a pay rise when he said he needs you to work above your level?

trojanpony · 14/09/2018 18:55

Ask yourself: what’s in it for me?

The way I see it this is not binary (ie take it or tell them to fuck off) it’s just the beginning of a negotiation.

If you play your cards right it could pan out nicely for you.

SinkGirl · 14/09/2018 18:57

For 3-6 months to prove myself. For 2 years? Not a chance in hell.

trojanpony · 14/09/2018 18:57

LanaorAna2s advice is a good start.

Be wary of caveats they try and attach to the promotion though - they may use it to palm you off when the time comes.
Also pre agree the actual salary so you don’t get screwed later

LouHotel · 14/09/2018 19:43

I would accept up to 6 months before pay rise but I would request in writing before I started the additional work when the pay rise would come into affect.

My sector budgets from beginning of new year so this time of year you could argue you want a pay rise from january. If your company works by tax I dont think it would be unreasonable of them to upgrade from April.

barberousbarbara · 14/09/2018 20:03

I work in the public sector and recently moved up two bands. It took 18 months of working at the higher level to get the move. I had to work at that level for 12 months and another 6 months to demonstrate that it was part of the role and if I left they'd need to replace me with someone on the higher level.

If you don't want to progress in the role then YANBU.