To think this might be sex discrimination in the work place?

[CalIie]

Hello,

I’m not a mum but this seems like a really helpful forum to seek advice.

Basically, in March I started a new job. Another guy also interviewed for the same job and we were both hired at the same time.

The job was advertised as an entry level advisor.

I am 23 and graduated in 2021. The other guy is also 23. He graduated in 2020.

Despite applying for the same job we were given different titles. I was given the title Advisor, whereas he was given the title Business Advisor (not the actual titles but just to illustrate - in reality they are very similar).

As we joined at the same time we became quite friendly and he disclosed to me his salary was £27,500, whereas mine is £24,500 (I took a pay cut to join).

Now you might say he’s got a different job title so that warrants a different salary. The thing is we do the exact same job. Literally we discuss and then divide the work load between ourselves evenly.

I also thought maybe it’s because of his experience. When he left uni he worked for a PR firm for one year.

In contrast I took a gap year before my third year started and did a 6 month paid internship (which in reality was a proper job - not just fetching tea or what have you) and when I graduated I worked in an advisor role for 6 months.

So added together we have the same amount of experience, in fact I’d say mine is more relevant to the current role.

I’m suspicious that they have given him a different title, so as to absolve themselves of any responsibility if I were to bring up this discrepancy. On the other hand he does have more “proper” experience. Or perhaps he was just better at negotiating his salary.

I should caveat I love my job and would not want to jeopardise it. I will also add I am the only woman in my department of 9 (it’s a very male dominated sector and difficult to get into unless you have the right connections, which he has and I don’t).

To conclude: do you ladies think I am being unreasonable to think this might be sex discrimination or is it simply different pay for a different role? If so, how should I address it? I was thinking I could tactfully bring it up when my contract is up for renewal in February…

If you took the time to read my ramblings, thank you very much!

Thank you @ChristmasLightsAndSparkles!
Ie what I said, albeit more briefly

I wasn't brief, Delphigirl but I hope the info will help the OP. There's the usual misinformation on this thread, justifying why women should shut up and put up with inequality despite the laws we have to protect us.

I did love your post
Honestly all of you advising her to wait or pussyfoot around are the reason this stuff still happens. Because they can get away with it.

Totally agree.

I do know it's scary though. Most women have a lifetime of experience of being punished when we stick up for ourselves. But every time we challenge this kind of shit and win, we make the world a slightly better place.

I think it will be that he negotiated harder, as men do. So at your next review I would say that you are really enjoying the gig, next goals are, blah blah - however you are aware x Is getting 3.5k more than you for doing the same job, which obviously you would like fixed.

I think no company wants to be seen to have a dubious pay gap so you have a good chance of a swift win. If there is a union or professional body get advice from them.

Be positive and focus on the good stuff, before getting to this, don’t make accusations - but don’t let it go. You need to learn to negotiate so use this as an opportunity.