This is awkward.

[LilRobin]

Hey everyone,

I started a new job recently. It looked a great opportunity and all was going okay, until I was sat down for a chat about my hours and pay.

I thought the salary seemed a bit on the low side when I went for the job, but it could just about pay what I needed it to. Then today, I was shocked when it was pointed out (and I realised!) that the salary was ‘pro rata’. Which means that the pay is not nearly enough… it would have just kept me afloat at the full advertised amount.

What should I do? This is sooooo embarrassing. I don’t see how the salary would work for me. I do like the job and the people are nice… but I can’t justify the commute etc for this wage. How should I even approach this subject?

Any guidance would be appreciated (and I know I’ve been stupid).

[Back2Back2t]

This is ridiculous! You can earn better money working retail.
OP, everyone makes mistakes so no need to feel embarrassed. You need to do it now and start looking for something else.
I'm shocked that management thinks it's OK to pay people that kind of wage in this cost of living crisis 🙄

[inigomontoyahwillcox]

That's £8.33 an hour, well below minimum wage - you absolutely have to bring this up with them. I understand you made a mistake but they are monumentally taking the piss.

[Beercrispsandnuts]

It’s terrible how some employers treat people. It really is. This shower don’t even want to pay min wage. That’s why they’ve pointed it out. They are thinking she’s going to work for that. When no one else would.

[Beercrispsandnuts]

Op if you’re uncomfortable you can call or email and say there has been a misunderstanding on wage, if it is indeed pro rated then it’s below min wage and as such you need clarification on how they will address it

personally id quit. There is no exciting opportunity here, they just want someone to work on the cheap.

[friendlycat]

This is below the minimum wage as pointed out by others. You need to bring it up with them now. Basically it's illegal.

[Yesthatismychildsigh]

If you’ve not even started just don’t bother. They’re massively taking the piss, and actually breaking the law. Fuck them - let them cope.

[DuckbilledSplatterPuff]

for your next job... try this website to work out pay/tax etc. www.thesalarycalculator.co.uk/

You can compare your last hourly salary to this job... or the next and compare that against the minimum wage. Then you could accurately say in interview, that is an Xper cent drop from my last salary. I was expecting at least x an hour,

They should have spelt out the wage/the hours required in writing in your job offer.
As others have said, they should be embarrassed.

The takeaway from this (excuse the pun) is that you've had interview practice. They were really pleased with your work and are now better equipped to get another job on terms that suit you. Best of luck

[Paq]

Sympathies OP (and a side eye at some posters who felt it necessary to kick you while you're down). Just quit. They sound awful. And everything I've heard suggests chefs are in short supply so fingers crossed something else will come up quickly.

Onwards and upwards!

[lilacclementine]

This is illegal and they need to be reported to HMRC.

Min wage is currently 9.50 an hour (£14,820) and is going up to £10.42 in April (£16.255). Figures are rough but this is t legal or acceptable especially for someone with your experience.

checkyourpay.campaign.gov.uk/

[LilRobin]

I’ve let them know… feeling pretty low and especially with knowing this is ultimately my fault :(

Thank you for the lovely replies and the strength you’ve given me through them - it means more than you guys know x

[LilRobin]

@Beercrispsandnuts

Op if you’re uncomfortable you can call or email and say there has been a misunderstanding on wage, if it is indeed pro rated then it’s below min wage and as such you need clarification on how they will address it

personally id quit. There is no exciting opportunity here, they just want someone to work on the cheap.

I really needed to hear this, thank you so much x

[rachelagain]

My 16 year old daughter is a first year trainee chef, and works part time in a local restaurant, and she's on a better hourly rate than that.

This isn't your fault - it's theirs. Of course you wouldn't expect to be paid that little. Good chefs are in demand and you'll find something better.

[LilRobin]

Exactly, I’d never have expected the salary to be this low! It didn’t occur to me at all.

I’m feeling pretty relieved now that I’ve let them know, I’m feeling good actually. Onwards and upwards!

I suppose what I deemed as exciting was just that it’s a new establishment with a nice team, who wanted me to create a new menu (being quite creative, I liked that). But for that money? No way, I can’t do it without taking a real financial hit.

[XanaduKira]

What did they say Op? Was there no way for them to increase the salary?

I agree with other posters - good chefs are in high demand so you'll get something better. Good luck!

[GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut]

They wanted you to create a new menu for 13k?! Even for 17k that's taking the piss!

[NutellaEllaElla]

You've nothing to be embarrassed about, why would you even consider they were offering below minimum wage? That's against the law.

For some random reason i'm on a facebook group for Chefs in the UK and it's definitely a job seekers market out there so you might be lucky in finding something else soon.

[Motnight]

Good luck, Op.

[prh47bridge]

@LilRobin

I’ve let them know… feeling pretty low and especially with knowing this is ultimately my fault :(

Thank you for the lovely replies and the strength you’ve given me through them - it means more than you guys know x

No, this is not your fault. Yes, the advert said pro rata but, as this is significantly below minimum wage, it was quite reasonable of you to assume it was not pro rata and that this was a misprint if you had seen it.

Assuming you are at least 23, the minimum they can legally pay you for a 30-hour week is £14,820. In April that will go up to £16,255.

Instead of approaching it as being your fault, you need to be clear with them that they are acting illegally, and they must pay you the amount necessary to take you up to at least minimum wage. If they refuse, refer it to HMRC - you can do so anonymously. HMRC can, amongst other things, force them to pay employees and ex-employees the money they are owed to take them up to minimum wage for the last 6 years and fine them up to £20k plus £100 per employee affected.

[prh47bridge]

Just to add - you should really report them to HMRC regardless of whether they agree to make your wages up to minimum wage.

[LilRobin]

You’re absolutely right.

I feel a little bit gaslighted by them, I was made to feel like it was a huge, sought-after opportunity.

I feel in hindsight that I was being roped into somebody’s vanity project, that in the sober light of day, it was all smoke and mirrors. A really strange experience all in all.

[thisismynewface]

If you are a good hard working chef you'll have no problem getting work, you (everyone) deserves more than minimum wage!

[Back2Back2t]

Well done OP. Wishing you all the best in finding a new job with a great salary x