Advice about back dated pay after payrise

[Warmsocks1983]

Work in the private sector.

Employer gave employees 20pph pay rise in the new tax year but then another further 50pph pay rise 3 months later.

Does the employer need to back date this to the beginning of tax year?

No. I got a payrise in October, it started in October. The only difference would be if this is part of ongoing trade union pay negotiations as they are always behind so by the time they reach an agreement the payrise should've kicked in six months before so you get some backpay.

I’d expect to see an email /letter stating new pay effective as of x date
That does not have to be start of tax year

I doubt it. Surely the employer chooses when the pay rise is effective from.

No obligation to backdate unless it is specified in award details , I would assume it would take effect from point of announcement

No, of course not.

Thanks all, I didn't think there was any obligation but just was starting to doubt myself. I'm an employee at the company but my understanding would be because we had the initial payrise then there is no obligation and is at the employers discretion.

The award letter will make the effective date clear but, subject to the weight of any union involvement in negotiations, it's a matter for the employer.

Plenty of employers are finding it difficult to recruit retain and having to raise wages to try and square the equation.