New employee on more money than me

[Nimblepimble]

I work very closely with the MD of the business, he often refers to me as his right hand woman. I’ve helped build the business & run the delivery team - he runs sales.

Ive just been forwarded an email about a new employee - who is coming in on more money than me. I’ve been waiting 18 months for a pay rise (due in Jan) I’ve worked my butt off. I don’t really know what my Aibu is just advise on next steps? Right now I just feel really sad and under appreciated. I get compliments all day long about my work but that don’t pay the bills!

When you say waiting for a pay rise, has it been actively discussed? Have you raised it with them? I’d say raise it once more and if it’s not forthcoming then they’re telling you how much value they put on you, and it’s time to move on to something better paid if that’s what you want.

I assume you’ve been there a long time? It’s tricky because people who move jobs often are more likely to procure more pay rises, and hence hiring the new employee you really want can cost highly. Use this as leverage for negotiating a pay rise asap.

What’s the new persons role, who forwarded the email and in what capacity did you receive it?

I think you need to not associate the two things. Think about your role, what you have achieved and find some external comparisons. Once you have all of this, book so time with your boss and present why your due a pay rise in line with role achievements.

I was the highest paid of my current job (of people on the same role) though I was newest in.
I'm good at negotiating...

This often happens, companies kind of forget about their comfortable employees unfortunately.
I would not mention you have seen the new salary as it should be confidential to avoid this situation. However in January I would absolutely be pushing for the pay rise and hopefully that's above the salary you have seen them offer this employee.

I think I would start going for interviews and seriously consider whether I could be paid more elsewhere.

Talk to the MD, say you feel undervalued.
If he doesn't give you a rise then look elsewhere.

This happened at my workplace when a new start consulted the union rep on a clause in their contract. The union rep was in the same job role with years of experience, the new start was on significantly more money. The union rep used it to negotiate the same salary for all existing staff in that role.

It doesn't matter how you came by the information, you need to use it to negotiate what you're worth.

Is the new employee male?

Why have you been waiting 18 months for a raise? Was it a discussion you’ve had previously? I understand feeling irked at someone new coming in on more than you but you need to be proactive. Don’t just sit there and wait. Speak up. Put forward your case ie I’ve been with the company xx long and have done xyz. The current market shows xx salary etc etc.

And be very careful about seeing yourself as the right hand woman. This can make you think you’re indispensable, you’re not. So speak up, ask for what you want and if you’re not getting it then move on.

Do some benchmarking. What's the industry standard for your role? Show that to your boss.

Only way to get a decent salary increase is to leave. The boss will probably say new person is bringing on new ideas and experience to justify the salary.

Totally agree with this. Employers are very good at assuming that existing employees are quite happy with a lesser salary so long as a few complements are thrown in every now and then. Eventually even the complements stop.

My previous employer made lots of promises which were never kept.

One day a job popped up which was very similar to the one I had but the pay was 50% higher. I applied, got the job and handed in my notice.

My manager asked me what could be done to stop me leaving. I told her they would need to match the new salary and they had 24 hours to get it in writing. Of course they couldnt manage it so I happily left and I havent looked back.

find some interesting jobs and start going to interviews.

Depends what their job is

Are they a fee earner? Qualified role?

But depends on their role - surely if more senior or responsible then it’s justified. It’s definitely easier to get salary increases if you job hop. Definitely speak to your manager but base it on your achievements and what the industry pays similar roles

That’s what I thought. Really depends on the job that they’ve been brought in to do.