Work colleague on much higher salary - WWYD?

[Clockworklimey]

I discovered (through legitimate channels) that my newly-appointed colleague is on a considerably higher salary.
We are a team of around 12 and are all in admin work however some on higher salaries due to the length of time at the company, which I feel is fair enough.
This new colleague stated a higher level of previous experience in the role but four months in has yet to show this in their work, and we often 'carry the can', guide and mentor. This supposed 'experience' has not been observed to any degree.

I'm the only team member that is aware that she managed to negotiate a higher salary and management gave it to her but I feel aggrieved that this has happened. Our manager was warned by HR when seeking advice on offering this salary to 'consider the impact on the rest of the team and the fairness of doing this', but has gone ahead and done it anyway.

WWYD to address this, if at all?

I would not be happy at all. I would see if you can re-negotiate your own salary as well as asking for an explanation for the big difference in salary.

When I was an employee it was a disciplinary offence to discuss salaries,so I would be careful

Often you do have to pay a bit more to bring someone on board

You can certainly try and negotiate a higher salary,but I would be careful about mentioning your colleague's salary

Negotiate your own salary up

I have been in this situation before and it leaves a sour taste. However managers cottoned on really quickly that the individuals had blagged it and in one case they were let go, while the other left as no one was picking up their skack and they couldn't hack it.

I never brought it up but that was mainly because I had regular salery incresed and felt I was progressing even if the lazy gits were on more than me at the time.

Yes, you have to make it about your salary. You will get nowhere with the approach that an individual's salary is too high. You could, however, talk about where your salary sits within the team as a whole - if you are below the average, that would be a legitimate thing to point out. Use the guiding and mentoring activities, and any other additional work you do, to present your case for a pay rise

If you found out through legitimate channels, use the info to negotiate your salary up.

user1487194234

The Equality Act of 2010 makes it it unlawful to prevent employees from having discussions with other employees to establish if there are differences in pay.