The industry I work in was hit very badly by the crash back in 2007. As a result all full time staff were placed on 4 day working weeks. Things are getting better but still on 4 day weeks bar 3 roles within the firm who have always been full time.
We have not had a pay rise since 2006 but generally glad we are all in employment and most of us now like 4 day working weeks!
In the last year I have put a massive amount of work in which is starting to pay off. As a result, I got an out of the blue pay rise of 10% about 2 weeks ago. Sounds a lot but I earn £7.50 an hour so it is only an extra 75p!
Anyway, another employee has decided to retire. I have been working with my boss to find a replacement which we have done and he starts on Tuesday. Thing is, I had a day off on Wednesday but came in yesterday and found this new employees offer letter on my desk. My boss often signs mail at my desk when I am out. This new employee is going to earn £20,000. They will be doing almost exactly the same as me but in a slightly different format. This role is one of those that requires 5 days a week that I mentioned above.
Even based on £20k that would be £16k on my 4 day week. Currently, with my rise of 75p this equates to £12k a year.
I have put my heart and soul into work over the last year. Don't get me wrong, I have learnt heeps and enjoyed it but this is a real blow. If I'd known £20k was on the table I'd have applied myself but I was made aware they couldn't so I didn't! There is no way I could have done the job on my current rate so I didn't express an interest.
I hope I don't drip feed but what would you do/say/react?