Disparity in pay between workers doing the same job? Is this allowed?

[Payproblems]

We work in the public sector, but I found out a colleuge asked for more ££ and got it.

Now they are advertising the same role but for higher pay.

My colleuge doesn't pull their weight or do their job properly and everyone else on the team knows this so the fact they are earning more then me has really upset me.
Then I see the same job being advertiser but for more than money again I feel upset.

However this is the public sector, is this usual practise? Will it be normal to have people doing the same job on all different rates?

What's go stop me resigning and re joining?

The fact that they might instead appoint someone even cheaper? (Plus, as PPs have said, that you'd lose continuity of service)

Why not just ask for a rise and then decide what you want to do?

I was being facetious when I said I could resign then re apply.

I think I have another meeting soon so I will mention it then I think.
The role is exactly the same, the one advertised. And same role for the person who got more than me so can't imagine how or why they would say its a different role

Apply for the job

@Straighttalking1

Apply for the job

Don’t do this You will look passive aggressive and foolish

You need to have a grown up conversation with them about wanting a pay rise to match what they are offering for the new joiner

You have to ask for a raise, plain and simple. Did you really think they would just hand out raises? Of course. Paying less for the same work is better for their bottom line. They’re not going to tap you on the shoulder and say “hey, you haven’t asked for a raise, here’s one anyway just because.” Sorry if I’m coming off rude, but I just think it’s odd to be feel slighted you didn’t get something you never even asked for. And it’s really unfortunate because it seems like nobody ever conveyed to you that you have a right to ask. My suggestion is to do a deep dive on the internet researching some strategies for asking for a raise. It’ll feel somewhat uncomfortable and maybe awkward, but if you go in confident and have a reasonable pitch then you’ll most likely be successful. The fact is, with the process of hiring, dealing with HR, training someone new, maybe or maybe not having that new hire work out, possibly having to re-do the whole process, etc., they’re more inclined to keep good employees even if it means paying more. But you have to actually ask!

@Payproblems

Wow. What's go stop me resigning and re joining?

Nothing

But would they rehire you?

Usually, people don't resign until they have applied, been through the interview process and got another job.

The main point is it’s out of your comfort zone to ask for more and it wasn’t out of their comfort zone to ask for more.

I wish more women would have the confidence and self assurance to ask for what they are worth, and be taught as a young person it’s good to do. This is where the problem lies.

@Payproblems

Wow. What's go stop me resigning and re joining?

Well they would have to re employ you

Make your case based on your glowing review and the post being advertised at a higher salary.
Don't mention your lazy, greedy colleague.

They have given you all the evidence you need by offering the role at a higher salary. Just go in and ask. Don't ask for the same pay as the role given your experience (unless it is the top of a salary band) ask for more. Oh and don't be pathetically grateful if they offer you something - you deserve to be paid more - they are not doing you a favour by paying you the same as your colleagues. (I don't mean be chippy or rude - simply that they ought to be paying you fairly and so you can be professionally satisfied at a fair outcome and courteous but don't feel that it was a gift from them - you earned it).

@SW1amp In the CS it is accepted practice if roles are advertised at a higher rate externally you apply to get the higher rate.

Obviously have the conversation first.

I ask my immediate peers. I'm the only woman in the department and I've spent years fighting for equal pay.

I SO agree with this, EBearhug. Admittedly I'm not public sector, but ime the only reason employers tell you not to discuss salaries is because they are underpaying somebody somewhere and want to keep doing so.

The best way to counter this is to be reasonably open with your colleagues, at least in ballpark terms. A lot of the time, the people who benefit from secrecy are the employers not the employees.

Ok really greatful for three tips I felt on a high after this great review and I do enjoy working there but I feel a plunge after hearing about this pay disparity and the sudden realization that their loyal employee who is bottom rung in the office will actually be the "lowest paid" when they get their new workers in!!

There is a high turn over in my role and they are really struggling to get people, another reason why I feel... Why not also look after the one you've got.

I do understand however it's still a business and they won't dish out money but I still find it upsetting.
I've got some tips and a few reasons to ask and if they are reluctant I also have some amo for push back.

I do really like working there though so I don't want to do myself out of a job and if they insist I can't have more ££ I'm not sure what I would do...

How could they justify saying no? They’re literally hiring brand new people on a higher rate than you. There’s no justification for that unless they’re asking for experience or qualifications you don’t have!

True sink girl, I just don't want know, budget's? Only certain budgets allowed, I don't have know.

Big

It
But if I had any sort of business I wouldn't allow new people to earn higher than old people.
Unless it was skills based.

It's creates bad feeling and it is demoralising.

Thankfully I'm not childish and do love my job but I could slack back like my colleuge whose getting paid more and does less.