Official jobs and wages data released this week should also help convince you now is a good time to ask. Don’t let the headline figures fool you. It’s true that, overall, pay packets grew just 2.6 per cent over the past financial year, which may seem disappointing compared to headline inflation running at 6.1 per cent.However, wages growth is up from its lows of just 1.4 per cent during the pandemic.
“Most significantly, the private sector respondents that received a wage increase in the quarter reported a 3.8 per cent gain, the strongest result since June 2012.” Accept that you are partly to blame for not having had the courage to raise the issue. Now, write a polite email to your boss requesting a time slot in their diary specifically to discuss your pay and performance.It is true prices are rising and if you don’t get a pay rise to compensate, you are effectively getting a real pay cut. But that’s true for everyone. It is not a great argument as to whyBefore you request a meeting, research alternative jobs and salaries.
Just be careful, as some firms still have Draconian “pay secrecy” clauses to stop you revealing your pay.Your boss is likely to ask you why you deserve a pay rise. Have a good answer.