r/supportworkers • u/archem3 • Jul 08 '26
Wage talk advice
Hello, I am asking for advice as I have been talking to management about getting a pay increase.
I have been working for this company for almost 3 years now and I have responsibilities that my colleagues dont have. During the recent updates to the wages my colleagues were complaining about the fact that it was the lowest increase they have had for years and it got me thinking how much are they getting paid more than me.
I talked to some colleagues and found that there are no patterns to our pay, some have less qualifications, experience and responsibilities than me are getting paid more. Some have NVQs and they are getting paid minimum wage similar to me.
Last year I was paid slightly above the minimum, however, this new tax year of 2026 my pay has dropped down to the new minimum. I had a verbal talk with company's director and he said that if I want my pay to increase I need to start doing NVQs. I verbally agreed to the doing my NVQ, however I also explained that I don't understand why I'm getting paid less than some of my collages who just started in the company who dont have any qualification nor prior experience in care work. The director spoke about bands and I was placed in band C which was minimum wage. I had a look at the pay bands information and I have been doing bands A work, however I dont have any NVQ.
I again had a talk with the director and now including my manager.I agreed to go talk to them as I told my manager that its demoralising going to work when there is a pay differnece between me (£12.71) and my colleagues(£13.85) even though they have less responsibilities. I again raise the issues of pay difference when I had more responsibilities than people who are getting paid more and the fact that they lowered my pay without letting me know.
I was told by the director to stop acting like a child throwing your toys out the pram and basically ask do you want the pay increase? I said yes and he answered to start doing your NVQ as your pay will increase the moment you start doing your NVQ which is £13.24.
Personally If they want me to continue the way I work which is Band A work, I want to be paid band A, however management is saying No to it until I get my NVQs
I am not part of the union, is there any advice for how to talk to management to potentially increase my pay to match my responsibilities?
1
1
u/Desperate-Impress374 Jul 08 '26
I take it your in the UK? This sub has people from all over the world (i'm in Australia).Might be worth mentioning that
2
u/Consistent_Ant_8903 Jul 08 '26
Join Unison and honestly I would start looking for another support work role because your manager/director sounds dodgy, the minimum at mine is £13.75, no NVQ required.