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Original poster

Would you still take the role?

27 replies

therightcandidate · 21/11/2023 14:11

I went through a very intense and rigorous set of internal interviews for a promotion role. Pay was discussed at interview and again at offer because I get supplemental pay in my current pay scale for an expert grading (this grading is very relevant in the new role)

I was advised that I would get promoted on a particular, lets call it expert, pay scale to take account of this - I have this in writing (pay scales are established and on our intranet for everyone to see).

This morning I checked the HR system and it shows me at the bottom of the standard pay grade for this role (where you would expect a new starter to the business to come in) and as such I will be worse off for a lot more responsibility.

I spoke to the recruiting manager and he basically just shrugged and said that it was totally out of his hands as HR have told him its not open to change. (this will not be my manager once in the role, i know the work and the team and they are all great)

I like my current role and I am happy to not take the promotion - but my OH still thinks that a promotion is a promotion and I will be bottom of a new salary scale, whereas I am at the top of my current scale but I can't get over that i should actually have a significant pay increase if i was given the pay scale promised at interview.

OP posts:
WavingCatsandDogs · 21/11/2023 14:16

I would definitely challenge it, though your husband is also right in that you will get increments in the new role.

SausageAndEggSandwich · 21/11/2023 14:20

I don't understand why they would expect someone to accept a promotion for less money!

You're not wrong and I would challenge this as far as you can. It's a bizarre decision.

You should be matched on the pay scale so you start at a salary at least equivalent to what you earn now.

It's not a case of computer says no, they can give you whatever point on the pay scale is justified, plus you are already employed, it's not as if you are new and an unknown quantity.

Original poster
therightcandidate · 21/11/2023 14:28

I have challenged it direct with HR and all they are saying is that the pay scale is set for that role (but it is a scale - so open to movement from the bottom of the the range is my reply to this) and the confirmation that i have in writing saying i would be on the expert grade was made in error.

Pay increases in this job are vary rare and it took me years and years to get to the top of my scale (and lots of extra qualifications and study) I am not going to see pay progression in the promotion for years but i will have to pick up all the additional responsibilities while not being paid for that as well as the expert portion of my role.

OP posts:
SausageAndEggSandwich · 21/11/2023 14:35

I wouldn't take it. I see what you are saying about your current pay scale, but it's not as if you're going to move up the new one quickly.

Is there scope to move to an equivalent role somewhere else?

It sounds like someone either promised you something they shouldn't have, or were overruled but no one has spoken to you about it. Which is very poor.

SamphiretheTervosaurReturneth · 21/11/2023 14:38

Sent in error? That's a substantial mistake isn't it? Almost like they've conned you into the new job.

I suspect you are going to need some proper legal advice on how best to navigate this.

Good luck

Original poster
therightcandidate · 21/11/2023 14:40

I have decided that as I am not inclined to take the promotion it doesn't really matter if I push hard (and If I get the pay increase it will just demonstrate that I am no push over) . So I have done something I wouldn't normally dream of and have swerved the recruitment manager by going direct to the person that will be managing me in the new role. Lets see if they can influence HR.

OP posts:
EBearhug · 21/11/2023 14:55

So HR think someone should take on more responsibility for less money, and that written confirmation of retaining current salary is irrelevant?

I don't think I'd be taking on the new role in that case, and I'd probably be questioning whether I would want to work for such an organisation at all.

Hope it works out by asking the hiring manager. I would think they're pissed off with it, too.

Motnight · 21/11/2023 15:45

therightcandidate · 21/11/2023 14:40

I have decided that as I am not inclined to take the promotion it doesn't really matter if I push hard (and If I get the pay increase it will just demonstrate that I am no push over) . So I have done something I wouldn't normally dream of and have swerved the recruitment manager by going direct to the person that will be managing me in the new role. Lets see if they can influence HR.

Edited

Good move, Op!

Original poster
therightcandidate · 21/11/2023 15:59

The unit manager has messaged me back. He said that HR are wrong, he is on it and is now speaking with them. He will get back to me tomorrow.

So, fingers crossed!

OP posts:
waitholdup · 21/11/2023 16:01

well done OP!!

Hearmenow23 · 21/11/2023 16:05

Woo hoo!

SausageAndEggSandwich · 21/11/2023 16:06

Great update OP

Come back & let us know the verdict

Motnight · 21/11/2023 16:08

That is brilliant news 😀

2024writeanovel · 21/11/2023 16:09

Definitely did the right thing more responsibility less pay is not what you signed up for.

Original poster
therightcandidate · 22/11/2023 14:28

No update as of yet. The HR system is still showing the incorrect pay scale - but its only been a day and it took them three weeks to process my acceptance....

OP posts:
Original poster
therightcandidate · 05/12/2023 14:55

I am running out of patience. The incorrect pay scale is still showing on the system and payroll cut off is today for December pay. This means ill not receive any updated pay until the end of January.

It is now causing a lot of friction because I am refusing to move over until its all in order and the manager is very firmly assuring me that it will be changed. (it was in writing before and ignored, so don't be asking me to trust HR now)

He has mentioned because my pay will be 'backdated to the acceptance date he feels that I will now end up being paid while not actually doing the work'.

I don't think he liked my reply of 'It suits me that way round' because I can just see the the pay not being altered, me being out of pocket and HR advising because moved over I have essentially taken the role on the pay scale and the promotion shows on the system so it is 'to late to do anything'

OP posts:
SausageAndEggSandwich · 05/12/2023 16:27

Stick to your guns OP. Well done!

Secondguess · 05/12/2023 16:31

With these situations I tend to wonder "would they expect a man to put up with this?" - and I think that going back on a written pay offer is a no. Good for you to recognise your worth.

Dominoeffecter · 05/12/2023 16:35

Good for you for sticking to your guns, 💯 in the right

Original poster
therightcandidate · 28/12/2023 12:35

A update! - got my payslip today (they still issue the paper ones with the tear off edges) and my pay has been updated to where is expected it to be.

That being said all they have done is move me to the very top of the 'non expert' pay scale. Which means I've moved from being at the top of my old pay scale, to now being the top of this one - so I have the same problem as I've been boxed into no pay rises or progression (but I will be getting paid for it, which of course is a big deal)

If they put me where I'm supposed to be, bottom of the expert pay scale I would have the correct pay but also be able to move up over the years.

No one is about so I will have to wait until the new years to check if this is a error.

OP posts:
ItAintGonnaGoDownEasyIfItAintCheezy · 28/12/2023 13:09

therightcandidate · 28/12/2023 12:35

A update! - got my payslip today (they still issue the paper ones with the tear off edges) and my pay has been updated to where is expected it to be.

That being said all they have done is move me to the very top of the 'non expert' pay scale. Which means I've moved from being at the top of my old pay scale, to now being the top of this one - so I have the same problem as I've been boxed into no pay rises or progression (but I will be getting paid for it, which of course is a big deal)

If they put me where I'm supposed to be, bottom of the expert pay scale I would have the correct pay but also be able to move up over the years.

No one is about so I will have to wait until the new years to check if this is a error.

Stick to your guns and get it where you want it op.

SausageAndEggSandwich · 28/12/2023 20:24

What a palaver!

It appears that HR are not very good at their jobs....

I hope the new year brings some clarity.

Oblomov23 · 28/12/2023 20:33

"expert grade was made in error."

I would push back on this.

Oblomov23 · 28/12/2023 20:36

Hope you get it sorted.

Original poster
therightcandidate · 24/01/2024 16:01

Update!

As of last week the HR system shows that have the correct grade, pay and on the correct scale! - its only taken since November. I have also received the updated paperwork that shows all these changes in my contract yesterday.

Today, senior management called me up to a meeting and i was bricking it. My manager, soon to be new manager and a few heads of departments were present.

It turned out, the other expert graded member of staff on the unit had advised them they were unwell. They were being careful to maintain the staff members privacy but I got the impression it was cancer diagnosis with a good prognosis with treatment.

They, in combination with my new manager asked if I was was happy too continue on this grade/pay but remain where I am for the next few months to cover.

So that is a unexpected turn of events.

OP posts:
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