Not being paid for the job I'm doing...

[ApocalypseNowt]

I'll try and be brief. Without saying exactly what i do I'll say I'm an assistant clerk but I'm doing the job of a clerk. This has been going on for a few years (with maternity leaves inbetween).

Prior to my last maternity leave I wrote a memo to my team leader explaining the situation in detail, I went through all the competencies from the company website showing that i was doing a clerk's job rather than an assistant's, and asked for my authority, pay and grade to be reviewed along with my job title.

My team leader supported this in principle but said it would be sorted when i got back. I didn't get this in writing which i've been kicking myself for btw.

Well i'm back now (and have been for 9 months). I asked my new team leader about it and the reply was they'd look at my authority first then go from there. I've chased this a couple of times but still nothing doing.

Also, when corresponding and talking to our external clients I have to put 'clerk' as my job title rather than assistant. That is because the clients i deal with specifically want experienced clerks with the relevant technical knowledge.

I'm finding it really upsetting and depressing that i'm working my socks off in this job but not being recognised or remunerated for it!

The job is busy and stressful and i feel like a mug. I feel like telling them to only give me 'assistant' work if that's what they're going to pay me for but then I'd definitely not get anywhere (not that i am now....)

Thank you if you've waded through that....i'm just looking for some advice really and a shoulder to cry on if anyone can help x

Is it affecting the rate they are billing you out at? Have you been specifically told to refer to yourself as clerk rather than assistant when dealing with clients?

What's made you not look for a job elsewhere? It seems fairly evident this company is going to be happy to let you do the work on the lower salary.

The way the clients are charged doesn't really work like that but this is one of our most important clients and they specify the sort of person they want to deal with their account. This is put in tenders when we're quoting for their business .

Yes i have been specifically told to put 'clerk' on my external email signature. I raised this because i'd seen i'd been referred to as 'clerk' not 'assistant' on an external contact list. My tl raised it with the ops manager who email back saying he thought everyone knew i was being "styled" as a clerk when dealing with x.

I have been keeping an eye out for other jobs but i'm part time and will be for a while so it's very difficult to get anything else.

How many times have you chased since you came back and how long ago?
Have you put it via email or just verbally?

I think i've chased it three times. At least 2 of those via email. The last time i chased was probably a month or so ago.

Bump...

I would ask them why they are discriminating against me as if I hadn't had maternity leave this wouldn't be a problem. Usually shakes them upa bit.

Do you have appraisals? I'd raise it at and make sure it's documented on the appraisal paperwork. In all jobs I've had, my manager's manager has also had to sign off the appraisal so they'd be aware of you raising this formally as an issue.
I agree though that you're best bet is to find another employer.

Thanks for replying.

Yes I'm keeping an eye out for other jobs - fx something turns up. I feel part of it is they know how hard it is to find decent paid part-time work so they're aware i'm unlikely to leave any time soon. Bastards.

I'll chase again and check when my next 1-2-1 is.

Sorry for delay in getting back, been a bit busy.

Right now I'd send another email restating the duties you have been doing and the fact that your email title says that you are the grade above. Explain that you are obviously keen for this to progress and ask what the next steps should be to make this happen and how long do they think it's likely to take.

Also if you haven't got a 121 in the diary suggest that you put in a slot to discuss.

I'd keep it all very polite and amicable for now - after all there may be something going on in the background that you aren't aware of.

If you don't hear something within the next couple of weeks email again to ask for progress repeat until something is done.

Unfortunately being angry to your team leader about the situation is unlikely to encourage them to resolve it faster - I suspect you may need a bit of their good will to chivvy this through- being upbeat but like a dog with a bone would I think be a good approach, basically grind them down to the point where it's easier for them to sort it out than have another conversation or email with you about it .

Thanks so much for that rookie.

I've been getting quite upset about it (outside of work) and can't decide clearly what approach i should be taking.

I will be channelling 'upbeat dog with a bone' from this point on.

It's a strategy I'm currently deploying with my manager around our department's ridiculous decision not to agree any 2016 holidays until November by which time all the cheap flights will be gone . I want to shake him and say "GET MY HOLIDAYS AGREED NOW OR ELSE" but figured that might not work so well.

Another good tactic is to get your team leader on side by blaming it on the previous boss. A bit of "You're probably not aware but Mary said that I'd have this when I got back from mat leave. What can we do to make it happen as she must have forgotten to detail it in her handover notes and as I'm sure you understand it's important for me and our clients that I am correctly graded and paid appropriately for the work that I do."

Ultimately this may not work and if you have a union you might need to get them involved, but I find for me it's generally more effective than getting myself all stressed up and turning it into a battle.