To ask for a pay rise on maternity leave?

[JammyDodger101]

I took on a new internal role in October 2021 and agreed a new salary (12% increase).

Annual pay increases are calculated at the end of the financial year (March 2022, in my companies case). However, as I had already renegotiated my salary a couple months prior, I was not included in the annual salary review.

I thought this was a bit rubbish given inflation was sitting at around 5%, meaning almost half of my increase was being swallowed by inflation, but I decided not to raise it as I was headed on maternity leave anyway.

FFW to October 2022, with inflation at over 11%, I have essentially received no pay increase for my new role and responsibilities.

I am annoyed at myself for not fighting for the annual increase earlier in the year.. would it be unreasonable to contact my company and ask for a pay review whilst on maternity leave..?

Your company does annual reviews, you’ve been in your new role for a year. Therefore, I don’t think it would be unreasonable to ask. However, I probably wouldn’t expect to get another raise in March 2023 if you get it now. I also wouldn’t be surprised if your employer tells you to wait until March instead.

YABU

You got the increment you requested and the reason you're not seeing a difference is because of inflation. That's not the fault of the company because you're receiving the 12% extra.

If the pay rise was a blanket pay rise across all colleagues you should be entitled to it regardless of your pay rise and regardless of been on maternity leave.
to not provide it due to you been on maternity leave is discriminatory maybe speak to Pregnant then screwed for advice on how to word it