Equal pay discrepancy

[Fluffybagel]

Hello!

I am after a bit of advice from someone in the know!

So my colleague, Susan, and I are doing the same job role.

I am more qualified, to not be outing, think of being a chartered accountant, this is very recent for me, however I’ve been at the company 8 years and doing my current role for 5.

Susan, is not a chartered accountant and has the bare minimum qualifications, and has been with the company 1 year, however does have more experience than me but I don't believe in our roles she brings in more value than me.

She is paid around 12k more than me and a grade above.

do I have any rights in this matter? I have asked to be moved to the next grade however this seems to have fallen on deaf ears with my manager and HR as apparently I need to complete a development plan for my studies…even though I am doing the role!!!! Old manager left at the time I started studying so bit of a tricky one!

do I just need to stand up for myself a bit more? I’m not sure what else I can do.

thanks for any help.

No, you don't have any rights unless you can show that you are being paid less due to a protected characteristic (age, sex, race, disability, etc.). If the employer thinks Susan is worth more than you they are allowed to pay her more.

Some companies will pay the going rate for new employees (otherwise they can't recruit people), but will allow the pay for existing employees to fall behind.

To get a rise, you need to show your employer that similar roles elsewhere pay more, and that you are worth a higher salary. If that doesn't work, the only way of getting a better salary may be to find another job.

Thank you! That’s helpful. I was googling it but it wasn’t clear so that’s really helped. Thank you ☺️ so basically they’re taking the piss 😂