Dodgy bonus - can HR help me?

[Lotster5]

I recently found out that my bonus last year (May 07) was half that of a close colleague's at the same level as me - and much lower than that of others in the team. My reviews have been exemplary (comparable with said colleague) and I am told by my manager that I am a key member of my team. I am highly motivated and hard-working, however this news has left me feeling very demoralised and considering leaving.

My dilemma is - can I speak to my HR department for their advice on whether I have a genuine complaint? Or could I come off worse?

1. The bonus was awarded in May 07 - is it too long ago to complain?

1. I found this out due to this colleague's slip of the tongue (yes really). However there is no reason at all why anyone, especially HR, should believe me when I tell them that it was an accident and that I DON'T make a habit of discussing pay with my colleagues. I don't want to blacken my name nor that of anyone else, or jeopardise my good relationship with my boss. Can I have a strictly "off the record" discussion with my HR department? Does such a thing exist?

Should I just put up and shut up or do I have a genuine cause for complaint?

Any ideas/help would be much appreciated. I feel so dumped on for my hard work, enthusiasm and committment.

Were you on maternity leave at all during the period the bonus relates to?

I know that it used to be the case that the annual bonus was pro-rated in my work if you were off on mat leave.

I was for this financial year but not for the one in question.

Lotster5 it depends on your HR dept really. You ought to be able to have a discussion like this in confidence, yes. The reality is if anything is going to be done about it your boss will need to know eventually anyway.

Do you have any idea why you might have got a smaller bonus? Not necessarily a justifiable reason obviously, but there will be some reason, right or wrong, and if you understand what that is it might help you work out the best way of dealing with it.

Thanks flowerybeanbag! The only thing I can think of is that he knew I had had a miscarriage and it was likely I was trying for a family and therefore would be less inclined to look for another job.

If there were any other reasons, e.g. my performance wasn't to the same levels of my peers then he didn't make me aware of them at my subsequent appraisal.