Negotiating pay

[prettyprinceofpartiez]

I started working as an NQT 3ish years ago, worked my way up to M3.

Left to go on maternity leave 6 months into the academic year, with 3 months to go until appraisal - frustrating!

I've since then relocated and will be starting a new job in January, so again unlikely to get appraisal again in July 2022.

I know there's no pay portability anymore so it's not even a guarantee that they'll honour my last pay point of M3, but do you think I have any room for negotiation to M4 on the basis that I was performing v well before leaving on maternity? Is that a done thing or would I make myself look stupid?

Feel like I'll have done almost 2 full years of teaching with no opportunity for appraisal and pay increase!

Can I ask how you got on? I’m in a similar position- missed appraisal due to maternity but I think I should be on M5 for new job- just nervous about negotiating!

You should go up automatically after maternity regardless. I wish more women knew this.

@EarPlugAfficionado

You should go up automatically after maternity regardless. I wish more women knew this.

This. I asked for my appraisal before I left to ensure it was documented that I'd met the targets up to the time of going off. Going back now I'm going to make sure I ask for targets so that I can be properly appraised at the end of the year. For what it's worth, M4 isn't big bucks or massively different to M3 so I think you're in with a good chance. I've always discussed pay - have at times asked for and got a pay rise above my years' service - and honestly think if you're prepared, unapologetic and professional you are respected for it. Too many women don't discuss pay. It's not charity and you deserve to be properly compensated for your experience. If you're wobbling, consider how much the head earns - your pay rise is peanuts compared to their pay in the budget!

@Elpheba

Can I ask how you got on? I’m in a similar position- missed appraisal due to maternity but I think I should be on M5 for new job- just nervous about negotiating!

Sorry just saw this!

When my contract came through, they were offering me M4 already so didn't have to negotiate at all luckily. Think they realised that I was already going down in take home pay after moving from outer London to England, and they very much wanted me so went straight to offer M4.

Hope you get on ok!