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What to do if you are being paid less than your colleagues?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 15, 2026

What should I do if I'm being paid less than equivalent colleagues? If you don't think you're being paid equally to your colleagues, the first thing to do is ask your employer about it. This will help establish if there is a pay difference (or just a mistake in the contract) and if there is, if it's fair.

Can I be paid less than a colleague?

By law, men and women in the UK must generally receive equal pay for doing equal work. This means that a person must not get paid less compared to someone of the opposite sex doing the same or similar work, or work of equal value, for the same employer.

Should I get paid the same as my colleague?

People doing the same job or work of equal value should get the same or equal pay; but in many cases they don't, even though though the law says they should.

Can my employer make me work for less money?

An employer cannot usually impose a pay cut unilaterally on employees. However, there are situations where this may be possible – for example, the right to reduce their remuneration package may be covered in the employment contract.

Can an employer pay different wages for the same job UK?

No it is not, and across England and Wales it is common for workers to do the same basic jobs, but receive a different wage. This difference in pay could be based on each employee's levels of skill and experience.

43 related questions found

Can 2 employees doing the same job be paid differently?

The Equal Pay Act requires that men and women in the same workplace be given equal pay for equal work. The jobs need not be identical, but they must be substantially equal. Job content (not job titles) determines whether jobs are substantially equal.

How do you deal with unequal pay?

  1. Conduct a pay audit. Awareness is the first step to solving a problem. ...
  2. Ensure that hiring and promotions are fair. ...
  3. Make sure women have equal opportunities for advancement. ...
  4. Make it a norm for women to negotiate.

Do you have to accept a pay cut?

Even though pay cuts are usually legal, there are some measures in place to protect workers. For example: The employee must be notified about the pay cut in advance. The employee must agree to the pay cut; alternatively, they may choose to leave the employer.

Can an employer legally reduce your pay UK?

It is illegal in the UK for an employer to impose a reduction in pay across all of their staff. For a pay cut to be imposed on any employee, their consent must first be given in order for the reduction to be legal.

Can your employer refuse to reduce your hours?

So, can you legally reduce employee hours? Yes, it's legal—so long as you can justify your need to do so. For the reduction in working hours, employment law does require you to provide a legitimate reason. And it's important to remember you keep your employees well informed during the process.

Can I tell my coworker my salary?

You cannot forbid employees – either verbally or in written policy – from discussing salaries or other job conditions among themselves. Discussing salary at work is protected regardless of whether employees are talking to each other in person or through social media.

How do you address unequal payments?

Steps to take to address gender inequality

  1. Do your research. Know what others are getting paid in the market similar to your position and save examples that can be used during discussions. ...
  2. Bring it to your employer's attention. ...
  3. Don't play the blame game. ...
  4. If needed, escalate the situation. ...
  5. Be willing to leave.

Why do new hires get paid more?

Employers often need to increase pay to hire experienced or in-demand workers when the need for workers outstrips the supply of available talent. At the same time, raises for current staffers may not have kept up. The disparity can also happen when companies use out-of-date data to set pay.

Is unequal pay illegal UK?

As set out in the Equality Act 2010, men and women in the same employment performing equal work must receive equal pay, unless any difference in pay can be justified. It is the law and employers must follow it.

How do I claim equal pay?

When a woman claims equal pay, she must compare her pay to a man who she believes is carrying out equal work but is being paid more for it, known as a 'comparator'. It is for the woman to select the man or men she wants to be compared with. She can also claim equal pay with more than one comparator.

What does unequal pay mean?

If a woman works the same hours, performs the same tasks, and is required to meet the same goals as her male counterpart, she is entitled to equal pay. When women are paid less because of their gender, it is a form of sex discrimination and is illegal. 1

How do I write a letter of salary reduction?

What should be included in a salary reduction letter?

  1. The reason for the reduction.
  2. If the reduction will be temporary or permanent.
  3. The current and proposed salary.
  4. Contact details of an HR representative to discuss the reduction.
  5. An employee agreement section.

Can you decrease someone's salary UK?

It is illegal in the UK to impose a pay reduction without consent. Shân Evans, of People Management, explained: "Legally, an employer cannot impose a pay cut upon its employees if they have an employment contract that sets out details of their salary entitlement.

What is the notice period for change of contract?

Although not all changes of contract need to be set out in writing, you must give written notification within one month of any changes that relate to the employee's main terms and conditions, such as working hours or job location.

How do you survive a pay cut?

9 Budgeting Tips If You're Facing an Unexpected Pay Cut

  1. Get a Clear Picture of Where Your Money Is Going.
  2. Look at Your Large Expenses First.
  3. See If You Can Save on Other Fixed Expenses.
  4. Create a 'Survival Budget'
  5. Cut Retirement Contributions and Investments If Need Be.
  6. Cut Back On or Eliminate Any Subscriptions.

Is it dumb to take a pay cut?

Taking a Pay Cut Can Be a Wise Decision

In most cases, you can benefit from taking a pay cut. Just make sure you exchange the lower pay for something in return. It's also smart to make a budget before you switch jobs so you know what you're giving up.

Is the Equal Pay Act of 1963 still in effect?

Today, June 10, 2011, marks 48 years since President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act of 1963 into law. This was a landmark piece of federal anti-discrimination law and one of the very first to address gender-based pay disparities.

What do you do if a coworker earns more than you?

What to Do If You Find Out Your Co-worker Earns a Higher Salary

  1. ASSESS THE SITUATION. It's only human to feel frustrated after hearing someone you consider an equal earns more than you. ...
  2. DO YOUR RESEARCH. If you know that you and your co-worker are similar on paper, do some fact-finding. ...
  3. TALK TO YOUR MANAGER.

How do I confront my boss about pay?

Explain Compelling Reasons

Your willingness to do additional work makes you worth more to your employer. Make suggestions that highlight your expertise about the products or services the company offers. Avoid underselling yourself. Be willing to negotiate for something else you need in lieu of more money.

Should I tell my boss I know my coworker makes more?

Don't mention specific names or salaries

Remember, this conversation is about you, and not your co-workers. Details about how you found out that your co-worker makes more or their exact salaries are irrelevant. Your goal is to keep the conversation focused on your performance and the value you add to the company.