New manager being paid more than me

[SemperIdem]

Recently I was asked to take a 3 month secondment to a different department, having run one with a large team for 18 months.

I asked at the time if there was any opportunity for a pay rise as I was taking on a different dept, which is in a very bad way, without training and with a higher level of legal implications.

I was told no as it was a reasonable request and they needed to take on a new manager for a different dept (not mine, that is being held by a trainee).

I have subsequently found out that the new Male manager is being paid more than I am. Despite being less experienced as a manager than I am overall and having a significantly easier department to run.

I feel badly treated in all this, perhaps being a single mum and struggling to make ends meet is colouring my view?

How did you find out about his pay? Do you know for certain what his qualifications and past experience is?

If he has come from a different department then it's highly likely there will be lack of alignment so I'd advise you not to go in all guns ablazing until you've got some facts.

He told me. Even giving room for potential bluffing which is of course possible, it is more than I am on.

I know his previous work history and qualifications. I am a better performer in both aspects. And in reality, overqualified for the job I am currently doing.

He is someone my newish boss has brought with them from their previous company. Another reason it sits badly with me. I was told there was no room for me to have a small pay increase...but no room because they planned to pay someone less experienced, with known poor performance in their previous role? Because they’re mates? That does stick in my throat.

I’m not one for going in all guns blazing (once the initial irritation has settled) but do appreciate your advice re gaining facts.

Ah good old nepotism at play! Can be very frustrating, I can see why you feel strongly - hence my comment re all guns ablazing, because these things can be emotive and feel unfair - you don't want to come out of it looking "the bad person" if the boss becomes protectionist about his decision, in an attempt to deflect.

If it's a 3 month secondment, presumably you return to your "day-job" in 12 weeks, so are you saying you are underpaid in your day-job?. What you effectively asked for (re pay increase) was an acting-up increment, because your secondment assignment is more complex than the job they pay you to do.

My fwiw advice is do a fantastic job for the 12 weeks, then when you have tangible results, ask for your pay increase on that basis, not because of the boss' mate, but because you are an increasingly valuable commodity to the company. Meanwhile check the job market, see what's out there, because if they say no, you may need to consider with your qualifications that they'll never pay you what you're worth.

If you object to the boss's mate's salary level, he could have been bluffing or the boss turns on you. Is the salary difference a lot? Ask yourself if it's worth souring the relationship over.....

I’ve been told it’s a 3 month secondment however it’s covering maternity leave that doesn’t end until January (the first maternity cover left because of poor treatment). It was presented as choice and rapidly became an order when I indicated I didn’t want to do it.

The person covering me is on 3 month training however they too are one of the bosses mates so I can see it being extended and me finding myself without a role to go back to. The company I work for can be underhand like that.

I get on well enough with my boss but I don’t particularly trust them.

You are right though, the best option is to do a really good job whilst keeping an eye on the job market. In all honesty, due to my own circumstances re my child there is a time frame on how long I will be able to stay in the job, I’ve no desire to be in either role by next September. Perhaps this is just the push I need!

I would be arranging an appointment with HR over this. Company's need to be held to account and with the pay equality debate in the media, they will not want it being public knowledge.

Sounds like he’s finding cosy billets for his pals, and pushing poisoned chalices onto others. Maybe so other pals can be recruited in due course too.

I think your plan is sensible. But as extra precautions I’d also:

1. Join a union now if you’re not already a member
2. Start keeping a written record of what’s happening, as this might get a bit thornier later on. You might need to defend a capability process or demonstrate constructive dismissal.

Thanks all for the advice. I will start noting it all down.

I’m already part of a union following some at best poor leadership decisions last year which saw another manager almost sacked.

I recently raised a similar issue with my line mgr who said nothing could be done, historical pay, etc. I then raised it with HR in writing, they performed an investigation and decided I was underpaid vs 'the market' & I have received a pay rise.

Don't accept it if you think it is unfair, I really think now is the time to be clear that it is NOT OK to pay females less!

Good luck.