Salary negotiation after job offer

[safetyzone]

For weeks I've been wanting to post a sad woe is me thread about being made redundant twice in quick succession. Thankfully instead I have good news of a job offer.
It's a bit lower than my ideal salary that I stated during interview but equal to my last salary. The company know that I'm desperate for a job, but is it worth trying to negotiate before accepting or is it a bad move? They want me to start immediately so I don't have much time, and to be honest, I can really do with a job straightaway after a few months of twiddling my fingers. Plus knowing the situation right now, I'm grateful to have any job.

Thoughts appreciated!

There’s no harm in trying. Just go back to them on the email stating you were hoping for x and is there any room for negotiation.

Absolutely- I negotiated 22% up in your shoes

I don't think there is any harm is asking in your position; if it's a serious company and a serious offer they are not going to rescind it because you tried to negotiate a higher starting salary. Worst case they say no.

Always best to negotiate on your way in, much harder to do once in...

Thank you all - that's the reassurance I need!

Yes as they definitely want you, they have made a formal offer in writing with a salary, if you ask for 5-20% more they will either agree. Meet you in the middle or say no.

But what they can't do is say you're so rude to ask we retract our offer.

Once again thank you all for your reassurance, and want to update you all that the company has agreed to my request. Happy days!

Excellent news.