How to ask your boss for a pay rise and how to find out what the gender pay gap is at your company
UK firms submitted their gender pay figures last week. But how should you ask your boss for a pay rise?
On April 4, 2018, companies had to submit a report on just how big the difference in pay is between men and women.
And it means there has never been a better time for workers to ask for a pay rise.
What was the Gender Pay Gap Report?
UK companies with 250 or more employees had until midnight on April 4, 2018 to publish their gender pay gap data.
Of those that published data, 78 per cent pay men more than women, 13 per cent pay women more and 8 per cent said they had no gender pay gap.
If you’re working at a company with a significant difference in pay between men and women, now could be the best time to take confidence to ask for what you deserve.
Is now a good time to ask for a pay increase?
expert, Lynn Cahillane, said: “Workers in larger organisations have never been in a stronger position to tackle gender pay inconsistencies at work.
How should you ask your boss for a pay rise?
We asked recruitment experts and campaigners for their best tips on how to ask for a promotion in light of the gender pay gap report.
1) Do your research first
Doing your research is vital in preparing a successful argument especially if you're looking for a promotion or a pay rise.
Firstly, you'll need to ensure that your facts are in order.
You can also ask your HR department for advice.
"It’s likely that they’ll want to rectify the situation quickly, especially if the pay gap is now public knowledge.”
TIPS for asking for a pay rise or promotion in the wake of the Gender Pay Gap Report:
HERE are some tips from Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library
- Do you research: You need to do your research and take a careful look at the data from your company – this will help you to back up your claims when you speak to your boss
- Seek advice: If your company recognises a union, it may also be worth speaking to them and seeing what advice they offer.
- Arrange a meeting: Next you should arrange a meeting with your boss to discuss your pay rise, promotion or any concerns you have surrounding the pay gap at the business
- Build your case before you meet with them: Take examples of why you deserve a pay rise and outline your plan for your future in the business
- Remain professional: Avoid any knee jerk reactions and stay professional at all times. Ask carefully thought out questions about the pay gap.
For example, do men and women in the business have access to the same bonus schemes?
4) Know your worth and stay professional
Remember to be professional and specific about what you want throughout the talk with your boss.
Mark Di-Toro, a career expert from Glassdoor, said: "If you want your salary to be addressed immediately then you need to be specific.
"Mention the exact number you want or the percentage increase you are expecting.
"Show that you’ve taken time to prepare a good business case so that the numbers do the talking."
5) Use salary checkers
Part of the nature of asking for a pay rise is having confidence in your abilities and being able to put a price on yourself.
Lynn Cahillane, from Totaljobs, said: “Be prepared to justify yourself - keep a record of ongoing achievements and skills you’ve learnt, as well as information on how your pay compares to others in your industry."
Research this by browsing job adverts and looking at a salary checkers to draw on with confidence to support why now is the time for your pay rise.”
For example, you can use tools like the on the Totaljobs website.
6) If it fails don't be afraid to ask why and be prepared to negotiate
You are allowed to ask why you have not been granted a pay rise and negotiate.
The reason you may have been overlooked for a promotion could be down to a whole host of reasons and not down to a gender bias.
Don't look at your pay only but also think about the benefits employees get like holidays, pensions and flexible time.
That's something you can ask for if you don't manage to get the rise or promotion you've initially asked for.
Claire Leigh, director of Brampton Recruitment, said: "If your request for a pay rise is not granted, it is always a good idea to ask for a reason.
"Not only can this result in valuable feedback, it can help an individual understand the bigger picture."
"A plan of action to meet required targets could be agreed between you and your manager."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at money@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 78 24516. Don't forget to join the for the latest bargains and money-saving advice.