UK workers 'fear requesting a pay rise', research suggests

09 May 2019

Research carried out by recruitment firm Reed has suggested that many UK workers find the thought of asking for a pay rise 'unsettling'.

According to Reed, the most common excuses for failing to request a pay rise include 'not knowing what to say'; 'not wanting to be seen as greedy'; being scared of asking the boss; and being worried about 'being turned down'.

Reed stated that employees should time their pay rise request correctly: if the business is experiencing financial hardship, a worker is more likely to be denied a pay rise.

The recruitment firm said that showing an understanding of the pressures facing the business will help to put an employee in 'good stead' when asking for a pay rise.

'The UK workforce deserves a pay rise,' said James Reed, Chairman of Reed Recruitment.

'There are clear signs that many workers are stopping themselves from asking for one. A lack of confidence and self-belief are clear reasons why individuals may not find the courage to ask, however if you think you deserve a pay rise, why not ask for one?

'Consider the ways you have gone above and beyond at work and use it as evidence to show employers you deserve one. If the answer is 'no', don't take it personally – use this as an opportunity to follow up and ask what more you need to do to earn one.'