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Original poster

Accepted a new job and now they want to offer me less money...

61 replies

SkittlesRainbow · 07/04/2021 16:44

Last month my company underwent a massive restructure and I was put at risk of redundancy along with over 1000 others. I am 17 weeks pregnant, so it has caused me so much stress and worry due to the fact that I could lose my maternity pay. Many people applied externally and left, but I didn't have that option due to the pregnancy and risk of losing maternity options.

I applied for an internal job on my current grade with my 'at risk' status and interviewed well for it - so they offered me the job. I was absolutely delighted and relieved to be safe! I awaited a new contract to come through but then was told that due to it being the same grade, they would keep all the T&Cs so it would just be a line manager change, and we agreed on a start date.

However today they contacted me saying that they want to offer me 20% less than the salary I am on, as I will earn more than other people in the team on my current salary. I have pushed back and said that I don't think this is reasonable and as they knew my salary on application and this is the same grade. Then they said "So, are you saying you are no longer interested in this role?" which made me wonder if they were trying to get me to turn the job down.

Why have I gone through this whole process for them to undercut me after I accepted the role and agreed on a start date? I was upfront about my current salary and my pregnancy with them and it feels like they have not been with me.

Part of me is wondering if they had to give me the offer due to my at-risk status, and they have someone in mind for the role that isn't about to go on maternity leave. Another part of me is wondering if they see me in this vulnerable position and are trying to take advantage. My current line manager thinks that it is an honest mistake and that I shouldn't think the worst of them yet, but something feels really off to me now, and the fact they were almost asking me to turn the role down.

Does anyone have a view on this? Maybe I am being completely unreasonable here, and just over worried due to my circumstances and should just take the pay cut. I am just frustrated with companies being so vague about salaries as it ends up with this situation.

Has anyone been through similar or have any advice?

OP posts:
Original poster
SkittlesRainbow · 07/04/2021 17:37

@Boringlynormal

Then they said "So, are you saying you are no longer interested in this role?" which made me wonder if they were trying to get me to turn the job down

I would reply saying 'I am very much still interested in this role, on the terms that were advised to me during the application process. If you are withdrawing this offer, could you let me know what suitable alternative (including suitable terms) you plan to offer me, as is my right as a pregnant employee?'

Yes, I made it clear I was really interested in the role and really excited to work for him. I advised that there was still a possibility of me getting mapped to a role (I am also going through a grading process against other employees for the one remaining role) and that I would still want to take this role over the role I could be mapped to if the salary was the same.

I have just called ACAS, it was really easy and they were really supportive. They have said it could sound like a case for discrimination, but that the best next step for me now would be to ask for the policy around how the salary works within the team I applied for, and if my salary is loads higher than anyone else it might be a case of poor communication (me assuming a job on the same grade paid the same, and them not reading the salary I was on on the application and flagging). Definitely a lesson learned for me in future.

We don't have different levels within the grades (not openly anyway), it is all very vague and hard to find information out - for example, I had no idea I was at the higher end of the grade structure and was going to ask for a little more money! I really am sick of employers doing this because it causes so much trouble!

OP posts:
RJnomore1 · 07/04/2021 17:38

While you’re at it go bsvk to the external offer and see if it’s still on the table.

Good lord woman why would you refuse that just because you will be off for a few months?

DarkDarkNight · 07/04/2021 17:40

Can you ask for this thread to be moved to the employment issues section? There’s sometimes HR people in there who could give a good insight.

My view would be you are right - do not under any circumstances say you are not interested in the job. Is HR dealing with the restructure? Contact ACAS, in the meantime try to get what they have told you in writing and see if they are willing to make what they are asking you to do official. I can’t see how they can possibly get away with it.

Are the people in the other team on the same grade as you? If so why is their salary different, have you been there longer? If so I can’t see the issue.

DarkDarkNight · 07/04/2021 17:41

Cross posted, I’m glad ACAS have been helpful.

Original poster
SkittlesRainbow · 07/04/2021 17:42

@RJnomore1

While you’re at it go bsvk to the external offer and see if it’s still on the table.

Good lord woman why would you refuse that just because you will be off for a few months?

Because if I leave I don't get paid maternity and I need to have financial stability for the next 9 months so I can pay my mortgage in the meantime. I will be thousands of pounds worse off if I leave now.

These higher-paid jobs will still exist in a year's time, I will apply then.

OP posts:
dapsnotplimsolls · 07/04/2021 17:46

It sounds like they just want to pay everyone less money to be honest, I don't think they're trying to get rid of you - more that they trying to see what they can get away with! When do you have to give them an answer?

Original poster
SkittlesRainbow · 07/04/2021 17:47

@DarkDarkNight I have reported the thread to ask if it can be moved to the Employment Issues thread, thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
SkittlesRainbow · 07/04/2021 17:58

@dapsnotplimsolls

It sounds like they just want to pay everyone less money to be honest, I don't think they're trying to get rid of you - more that they trying to see what they can get away with! When do you have to give them an answer?
I said that I wasn't prepared to accept the offer for lower pay and that they need to look into whether they can match my salary (as it is within the grade) and get back to me. I was very shocked and not expecting to be put on the spot like that.

I have had no contact all the rest of the day now so I kind of wish I hadn't left it like that...

OP posts:
Trixie78 · 07/04/2021 18:02

No, you should keep your salary but it should be red ringed which means you don't get payraises until the average of the rest of the team has caught up.

dementedpixie · 07/04/2021 18:05

If you went to the external job you could get Maternity Allowance if you don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. The only difference would be that you wouldn't get the 6 weeks at 90% pay, it would be the same amount the whole way through

AcornAutumn · 07/04/2021 18:10

OP have I got this right

You applied for the job without asking the pay?

That could be a problem.

Presumably you refusing the job gets them out of paying you redundancy?

iolaus · 07/04/2021 18:10

@dementedpixie

If you went to the external job you could get Maternity Allowance if you don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. The only difference would be that you wouldn't get the 6 weeks at 90% pay, it would be the same amount the whole way through
Unless the company she currently works for pay enhanced maternity leave - it could make a huge difference - I had full pay for 6 weeks then half pay for 20 weeks before dropping to SMP
rwalker · 07/04/2021 18:14

TBH think pregnancy irrelevant it's cost cutting. We have similar some who were job matched/ redeployed stayed on same pay .
Those who choses to go had to apply and start on bottom of pay scale kept there T&C as in holiday ,sick allownace and length of service .

Original poster
SkittlesRainbow · 07/04/2021 18:15

@dementedpixie

If you went to the external job you could get Maternity Allowance if you don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. The only difference would be that you wouldn't get the 6 weeks at 90% pay, it would be the same amount the whole way through
I don't get 90% for six weeks, I have enhanced maternity pay.
OP posts:
pinkandstripey · 07/04/2021 18:18

Glad acas have been helpful, have a look at maternityaction.org.uk also. Acas can't give legal advice (like CAB), maternity action do undertake legal casework. Just to be prepared :)

If no one has pointed it out, you need to only be employed with your employer until around 26 weeks pregnant to qualify for SMP. If you get past your qualifying date they are obliged to pay you SMP - and if they try to wriggle out of it, tribunals and HMRC take an incredibly dim view.

dementedpixie · 07/04/2021 18:19

Ah sorry, the way you spoke about them suggested to me that they'd only pay the minimum they had to

pinkandstripey · 07/04/2021 18:20

And I now see you get contractual mat pay, but qualifying for SMP is better than leaving now and only getting maternity allowance.

RJnomore1 · 07/04/2021 18:21

Glad to hear the other jobs will still be there, read far too many people shooting themselves in the foot on here over the years.

vixeyann · 07/04/2021 18:22

Could be a claim for constructive dismissal . Asking you take a 20% reduction is a substantial change from your current terms and conditions at the same grade and the fact they may show you the door if you don't accept.

Original poster
SkittlesRainbow · 07/04/2021 18:22

@AcornAutumn

OP have I got this right

You applied for the job without asking the pay?

That could be a problem.

Presumably you refusing the job gets them out of paying you redundancy?

Yeah you have that right, I applied for a job on my grade, but they don't publish the pay. On application, they asked about my current salary and I told them and they made no comment. Then interviewed me, give me the job, agreed on a start date, before highlighting that the salary I was on was a problem.

I realise I could have clarified (and will in the future), but in this whole redundancy process it has all been about applying for jobs on your grade at risk, and we have all done that believing that jobs on your current grade, with the same T&Cs, level of responsibility and skill, are... the same grade of pay! What is the point in grades otherwise?

OP posts:
SynchroSwimmer · 07/04/2021 18:28

A 20% reduction roughly equates to 1 day a week.
So another way of looking at it is that they are effectively asking you to work 5 days a week - but to pay you for 4.

Would there be any scope to negotiate 4 days a week on the reduced rate they are offering - if that appeals?

(Tue to Fri so you don’t miss too many bank holidays)

AcornAutumn · 07/04/2021 18:31

OP does a grade have different points on it so to speak - so could they say top of grade vs lowest point on grade.

Sorry but employers are so untrustworthy. Obviously I wish you luck, I'd just gird yourself in case they take that path.

As so many people are on their list , your pregnancy might not be connected. I know someone going through the whole "redundancy or reapply for your own job" thing. Employee rights are pitiful.

Original poster
SkittlesRainbow · 07/04/2021 18:31

@SynchroSwimmer

A 20% reduction roughly equates to 1 day a week. So another way of looking at it is that they are effectively asking you to work 5 days a week - but to pay you for 4.

Would there be any scope to negotiate 4 days a week on the reduced rate they are offering - if that appeals?

(Tue to Fri so you don’t miss too many bank holidays)

Haha, that is a pretty good suggestion actually! Obviously, they won't accept it but it does illustrate the point perfectly. I would also be more than happy to work 20% less for 20% less pay ;)
OP posts:
Treacletoots · 07/04/2021 18:35

What utter utter shites, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this OP.

They're very clearly trying it on so please stay strong and know they're in a very precarious position fucking with a pregnant employee.

If you don't get anything from them soon, I'd be speaking to my local press, but then I'm cantankerous old git..

Original poster
SkittlesRainbow · 07/04/2021 18:39

@AcornAutumn

OP does a grade have different points on it so to speak - so could they say top of grade vs lowest point on grade.

Sorry but employers are so untrustworthy. Obviously I wish you luck, I'd just gird yourself in case they take that path.

As so many people are on their list , your pregnancy might not be connected. I know someone going through the whole "redundancy or reapply for your own job" thing. Employee rights are pitiful.

We don't have an open view of grade structure within the grades and many of us were oblivious that this even existed. Another lack of transparency there.

You are right that most employers are just not trustworthy and there is no such thing as security really. I feel like at the start of the year I was in a stable career, one of the top performers in my department, and then in a matter of months, it has all unraveled. I don't think it is because of the pregnancy that I have suffered, but I feel that my pregnancy has put me at a massive disadvantage to others. Obviously, I would be out of here and on a higher-paid job by now if I was not pregnant, but because I am I am left with Hobson's Choice.

I am exhausted and just don't want to have to go through this process anymore.

OP posts:
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