What would you do?

[feefaa]

I've just found out that someone who started 10 years after I did, is getting paid more than me (from when she started). To add insult to injury, I get landed with complicated work as I have 'more experience'.

Have you raised it with your manager? It might be best to avoid doing so in a comparative way, rather, frame the discussion that you don't feel your salary reflects the skills and experience you bring to the role. You could back this up with general market data, which should be available online (assuming you are below market rate).

How does your salary compare to market rate?

Raise it with your manager and if you don't get anywhere, join a union if you haven't already?

The ultimate test of whether your salary is right for your skill set is to apply for another job and get an offer. Then you get to invite your current employer to match it, or say goodbye.

It's the bad old nhs. I raised it with my rep who said - I'm the same band as you so I wouldn't let it bother you. I had always understand it that unless you took on extra responsibilities e.g. nurse practitioner type duties or had an extra qualification, there was no way anyone could go up a band. This person (and at least one other), has no extra qualification nor does complex clinics. I'm 2 years from nhs retirement so my kids say that I should just leave it especially as being on the lower band, gave me the higher tax credits allowance. Swings and roundabouts I suppose.
The only annoying factor left is that these higher bands leave me the 'hard' work and ask me for advice when they don't know what to do(!)

Hopefully some other NHS folk might be able to give advice - I get the impression the NHS is a bit of a law unto itself!

I think the opposite about the NHS - it's really constrained by Agenda for Change and job banding etc., so it can't just make things up as it goes.

I wonder what effect the higher band (if possible) would have on your pension.

I thought they couldn't make things up either which is why it was a surprise when I found out. I'm sure anyone in this situation would find it a bit unfair, to say the least. Re pension, I had the good sense to invest an inheritance in a rental property which will more than cover any shortfall in pension.

Are you sure you know all the details of the other role? Did you see the role advertised?

I work with her so know her role fully. We work side by side.