How to ask for a pay rise UK

How to Ask for a Pay Rise UK

If you were to make a list of the most awkward conversations to have, asking for a pay rise would probably be pretty high!

That perfect combination of embarrassment and fear of rejection means that many employees choose not to seek a pay rise or higher salary.  However, they then feel demotivated and undervalued and their work suffers as a result.

It's therefore often in the best interests of both employee and employer that the subject becomes a less awkward topic for discussion.

In this article, we take you through everything you need to know on how to ask for a pay rise.

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Highlights And Key Takeaways:

  1. The timing of when to ask for a pay rise can be crucial.
  2. Preparation is key and should include gathering evidence to support your higher salary request.

When To Ask For A Pay Rise

When To Ask For A Pay Rise

Asking for a pay rise at the right time can significantly increase your chances of securing the salary your desire. The circumstances that create a natural time to ask for more money include:

  1. You have completed on-the-job or extra training

  2. You have taken on new responsibilities

  3. You have exceeded performance expectations

  4. Your salary is no longer in line with your job’s market value

  5. Your experience level has increased significantly since your last pay rise

  6. You have proven to be more reliable than other professionals, produce accurate work, and always meet deadlines

How To Prepare For A Pay Rise

Prepare By Checking Salary Surveys

Before you ask for a pay rise, it helps to prepare your ‘case' and know what's going on within your company. If you don’t have knowledge of the company’s financial year and evidence of your performance, this will negatively impact your salary negotiations.

To prepare for a pay rise meeting:

  • Be aware what the financial situation of the company is. If your employer is currently experiencing financial difficulties, now might not be the best time to ask for more money. 

  • It's also important to find out what vacancies are currently available within the company; if your employer is on a recruitment drive, it would suggest that money has been released to bolster staff numbers by recruiting new employees. This might, therefore, be a good time to set your case out for a pay rise and/or increased responsibilities.

  • By the same token, if staff redundancies are being talked about, sit tight, wait to see how this pans out, and arrange a pay and salary discussion for a later date.

  • Don't expect to just walk into your Line Manager or HR Manager's office and ask for more money. You need to prepare a short business case which supports your reasons for requesting a pay rise. What are the unique qualities that you bring to the role which the company would be lost without?

  • Make a list of your main achievements within the business over the past year. If you're able to quantify them financially, then so much the better.

  • Do your research on your ‘market value'. What could you realistically earn elsewhere in your local area? Tailor your pay rise request accordingly.

  • It may be beneficial, when requesting the meeting, to indicate that you would like to discuss your salary. Knowing what the meeting is about means your Line Manager won't be put on the spot and it also enables them to get any relevant information in front of them, prior to the meeting.

How To Justify Your Salary Increase

Most Managers Appreciate Hard Work

If your pay increase request is successful, you need to be prepared to work hard to justify your salary increase.

  • Get into work early and ‘go the extra mile' when required. We're not suggesting you work for free, but it's important to show that your increase is justified.

  • Capitalise on opportunities to expand your skill set; this will benefit both you and your company and will increase your worth within the company.

  • Make yourself indispensable. This will help you build your case when you next request a pay rise.

  • Having been awarded a pay increase, don't then request a month off unpaid or something similar!

Pay Rise Request Script - How To Ask For A Pay Rise UK

Pay Rise Script

Preparing and practising a salary increase request script can help build your confidence. You can prepare a list of bullet points or write out complete sentences, and a good script should have the following three elements:

  1. An introduction - why you have requested a meeting

  2. A body - stating your ideal salary, how you came to this figure, and why you deserve a pay rise

  3. A conclusion - a summary of your desired salary rise, your strengths, and an invitation for your line manager to comment

PAY RISE SCRIPT:

Thank you for the meeting today. I am enthusiastic about my role and contributing to the company's success. I've been with the company for six years and hope to continue for many more, and I'd like to discuss my salary and performance.

With a bachelor's degree achieved through personal study, I've enhanced my knowledge and skills, which can be seen in my exceeding sales targets by 20% monthly. I've also taken on additional responsibilities, such as interviewing and training new salespeople.

Based on my research of local sales salaries and my experience, education, and performance, a 6% salary increase appears reasonable. May I receive your thoughts on this proposal?

What To Do If Your Pay Rise Request Is Turned Down

Know Your Going Rate

It obviously isn't a given that your request will be successful.  So what should you do if you are turned down for a pay rise?

  • If you are told during the meeting that you won't be getting a pay rise, don't sulk or become aggressive.

  • Ask for feedback on the reasons you have been refused a salary increase.

  • If you haven't been successful with a pay rise, why not ask for further training, flexible working, or performance-related bonuses instead?

  • Don't be afraid to revisit the subject in 6 months' time, if appropriate.

Negotiation Techniques

Negotiating a pay rise successfully involves a blend of timing, preparation, and clear communication. Select an appropriate time for the discussion, avoiding busy periods in the company's schedule. It's essential to come prepared with a strong case: gather supporting evidence of your contributions, such as how your work has increased revenue or streamlined processes. Emphasise your track record and recent accomplishments that demonstrate your value to the company. Research salaries for similar positions to understand what a competitive base salary looks like in your field.

When presenting your case, highlight any extra responsibilities you have taken on and how they align with your request for a higher salary. Be clear about how your performance warrants a pay rise, using concrete examples to strengthen your argument. Approach the conversation with confidence, and be ready to discuss how your skills and achievements have positively impacted the company. Remember, effective negotiation is about presenting a compelling, evidence-backed case that makes sense to both you and your employer.

Understanding Company Policies

Navigating company policies regarding pay rises can be nerve-wracking but is crucial for a successful request. Most companies have a formal process for employees asking for a raise. Familiarise yourself with these guidelines to build a strong case and align your request with company procedures. Knowing the formal process also prepares you for any potential negative response and helps you understand the next steps to take. In some cases, a company’s refusal to grant a pay rise, especially if it seems unfair or discriminatory, may lead one to consider an employment tribunal. However, this is typically a last resort after exhausting all internal channels.

Understanding your company's policies not only helps you in making a well-informed request but also shows your professionalism and respect for company protocols. If the response is negative, politely ask for detailed feedback and guidance on what improvements or achievements are needed for a future pay rise. This demonstrates your commitment to personal growth and aligns your career development with the company's expectations and standards. Remember, being well-prepared and informed about company policies makes the process of asking for a raise less daunting and more likely to succeed. 

Long-Term Career Planning

Regular pay reviews are a crucial component of long-term career planning. Understanding how to ask for a raise is essential, but so is knowing when it aligns with your career goals. A well-timed pay rise can significantly enhance your career trajectory, reflecting your growing expertise and value to the company. When preparing for a review, focus on the main points that demonstrate how your work has positively impacted the organisation. Compare your current remuneration with the going market rate to ensure your request is realistic and justifiable.

Feeling nervous about asking for a pay rise is normal, but regular reviews can help normalise these discussions as part of your professional development. Use these opportunities not only to get a pay rise but also to discuss your career aspirations and how they align with the company's objectives. This proactive approach shows your commitment to growth and can lead to more opportunities for advancement, ensuring your career progression is on a continuously upward trajectory.

Salary Increase FAQs

Pay Increase FAQs

Here we answer your questions on asking for a pay raise.

WHAT IS A REASONABLE PAY RISE?

The percentage that equates to a reasonable pay rise is somewhere between 3-5% when inflation is low. However, when there is a rapid increase in inflation and the cost of living, pay rises need to keep pace, and could be anywhere between 5-15%. Of course, a company's success, good or bad, will affect if they can give you more than a year ago.

If there is a financial crisis and your salary expectations cannot be met, it is also crucial to remember that more money is not the only benefit or reward you can negotiate. If your manager agrees, you could secure a company car, more holiday, extra training, more responsibility, or greater work flexibility, such as work from home or hybrid remote work. Furthermore, you could negotiate a salary sacrifice arrangement. You can read more about the benefits of salary sacrifice scemes in our guide - What Is Salary Sacrifice?

WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN YOU ASK FOR A RAISE?

Most often, a pay review is part of an annual performance review. Therefore, it is vital to prepare for annual performance reviews and be ready to justify your request for a higher salary.

Before you ask for a pay rise, review what was said in your last pay review, check the market rate/average salary for your job title and note down any job milestones you have passed. Collate any positive feedback received from customers, other employees, or managers, record any new clients you secured, any additional responsibilities/new responsibilities you have taken on, your performance against sales figures or other KPIs, and if you have completed a successful project. It can help to read your job description or original job adverts to ascertain your job’s goals and objectives.

When you ask for a pay rise, know your current pay, own worth, and desired compensation. Maintain eye contact to give good body language even if you don’t feel confident, and stay calm. 

If salary increases aren’t raised, simply ask ‘can we discuss salary?’ If you want to ask for a pay rise at any other time, ask your manager or HR department if you can arrange a meeting to discuss a pay rise. This will give your employer time to prepare and check your current salary and the average salary for your job title and consider other factors, such as the rising cost of living and inflation.

In some public or private sector companies, there is no salary increase discussion, and everyone receives a set raise on their current salary. This happens more often for public sector workers.

CAN I ASK FOR A 20% PAY RISE?

If most workers in similar roles are earning significantly more than you, you could ask for a pay rise of 20%. You could use a high figure to increase your negotiating power and create a starting point from which you can come down. If you cannot secure a salary increase that will bring you in line with the average salary, you may only be able to secure the salary increase you need by looking for a new job and accepting a job offer. You can learn more about the highest-paying jobs in the UK here.

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE?

You can check the UK minimum wage and the new minimum wage here. The minimum hourly rate increases annually on the 1st of April.

DOES THE GENDER PAY GAP STILL EXIST?

The gender pay gap is the difference in pay for men and women working in similar roles. The gender pay gap continues to exist, although the difference is less significant. 

HOW TO HANDLE A PAY RISE REQUEST?

When handling a pay rise request, UK employers should approach the situation with fairness and transparency. Begin by conducting a salary review to assess the employee's current pay against the market average and industry average. This will help determine if the request is reasonable. During the discussion, focus on key points such as the employee's contributions, cost savings they have enabled, and their overall performance. It's important to have a clear and open dialogue, ensuring both parties understand the rationale behind any decision made. This approach helps maintain a positive employer-employee relationship, regardless of the outcome.


About the Author: Daniel Aldridge

Daniel is driven by the conviction that comprehensive salary data should be accessible to everyone, ensuring empowered and informed career decisions at every stage. From fresh graduates to those contemplating a job switch or relocation, Daniel advocates for arming individuals with this vital knowledge to foster smarter choices.



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