One of those questions where the answer will depend on 1000 variables but..?

[ShevelKnievel]

I want to ask for an 8.6% pay rise

is that excessive?

Bearing in mind -

We're public sector, we've had a pay freeze for five years.

I was appointed at the very lowest for my band seven years ago. According to the HR manual this is the zone where new recruits will typically start, however they should progress to the Target Zone as quickly as possible, subject to performance and budgetary/financial constraints.

The target zone I am aiming for typically contains all those who are contributing fully to the organisation within their roles.

I contribute fully, I can demonstrate substantial savings I have made. I have also recently gained a post-graduate qualification.

I've not had a payrise, ever, I have had two periods of maternity leave which are oft cited. I need one and I want one

So you've been at the lowest possible salary for your band for 7 years? Goodness.

Well, it may depend on how others are paid as well. Do people typically stay that low, or are you an exception? Are you paid less than others with equivalent experience doing your role?

I am the only person doing what I do. We are a department of two, me and my manager, within a larger organisation.

Yes, seven long bloody years. We have had a company wide pay freeze, hence me not ever asking before

I just don't know if I'm pitching too high. It works out as about £2.5k but realistically if its any less I'll have to start repaying my student loan and so actually be worse off each month

My boss is not the most sympathetic person. I go not trust her to do her best for me, based on various things I won't go into now, but I'm pretty sure I'll get 'pay freeze / budgets / funding blah blah'

I've made savings of over £10million over theist five years. Three years ago I got a bonus - £75 although the limit for my pay scale is £1,500

You're better off getting a job in the profit-driven private sector. HR managers in the public sector will always be able to fall back on the excuse of "state of the country" argument so personal performance and reward in the public sector often don't correlate too well.

Yes, but I'm niche

And 2\3 through a sponsored course directly related to the small field in which I work

And I want to work for my employer. Just not for a pittance

If you're 2/3 through a course that is being sponsored by your employer and will presumably have to pay back a large chunk of money if you were to leave, then you're not in a fantastic negotiating position tbh.

If you've been on the same salary for seven years you've obviously had a pay cut in real terms. But if everyone else has also been on the same salary for at least 5 years, you need to be very clear why that shouldn't apply to you at this point.

When is your budgeting process? It's probably entirely accurate to say that there isn't spare in your departments budget sloshing around for an 8.6% increase at this point so do bear that in mind - the timing of your request might be pertinent.

How much would they have to pay to get someone new in to do your job?