Mat leave cover being paid more than me

[Explorers10]

I have found out my mat leave cover will be paid more than me. I know it is due to the person being available at short notice to cover for a 1 year fixed term period, however I am now feeling really upset and betrayed by my manager. Is this normal? I can't help but feel upset but want to still remain professional and not burn any bridges with my manager.

Yes. It's normal, because it's a short term contract, not a permanent job. Try not to think about it.

Why would anyone take a temporary job unless there was an incentive, for example more money. I do a lot of temporary assignments and would expect a great deal more because I would not get the benefits of a permanent role.

Thank you for your replies, I guess it's just such a shock to find out and I feel quite hurt and undervalued by my manager when we have so far had a good relationship and he has been really supportive during my pregnancy. Will try not to think about it.

Very normal to pay more for interim cover - you are essentially paying for the risk/insecurity of working on a contract basis. Also to make up for a lack of bonus or enhanced benefits that come with being permanent or being with a company for a couple of years. Try not to feel disheartened, it isn’t a reflection on your value.

I’d agree with the points made by PP.

I’d also add that if you think you are worth more in your current role, then you should negotiate for it demonstrating why you should be paid more. However, that should be on your own merits rather than “bit someone else gets more than me”. (Although I’d pick my timing as you’re unlikely to get far after a year off if you want to return part time for example.)

You don’t know if that other person is more qualified, more experienced etc... To be blunt they may be worth more than you based on these factors, notwithstanding the fact that temporary positions do tend to pay more for the factors highlighted by PPs.

You arent undervalued. That person is being paid more because the job is temporary. There isnr the benefits of being a permanent member of staff.

Its not about your value at all. They have been supportive and you have a good relationship with them. You clearly are valued. Maybe this is just nervousness or feeling weird about going on mat leave?

I know I did. I looked forward to MAT leave, but also felt uncomfortable about leaving my job (temporarily) and someone else doing it. I think it's quite normal.

If she is coming from an agency, the agency charges a huge markup - can be another 50% on top of what she gets. Plus she doesn't get any benefits you as a permanent employee would get.

I am nervous about leaving my job temporarily and someone else doing it plus I know who the person is who going to be doing it. They are less qualified than I am with no managerial experience so that also adds. The reason is that they are available immediately and will be employed on a fixed term contract by the company not by an agency.