Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
I went freelance about a year ago and shortly afterwards got a part-time contract with a very large employer which went extremely well.
A few months ago I learned that a permanent position was going to be advertised with the team I work with. It originally looked as if it would be at a much more junior level than would interest me and I said no thanks. When the role was advertised, the top of the salary scale was something I’d consider. The full salary range had a difference of over £10,000 between top and bottom.
I applied and was offered the post, with comments that I had been the outstanding candidate. When the offer was made salary wasn’t mentioned. I asked what it was likely to be and the head of department assured me that he wasn’t in a position to discuss salary, which had to be decided by HR.
I finally spoke to someone who could tell me about salary. At this point I was quoted the very lowest point on the salary scale. When I queried this they explained that this was an error and I would in fact be offered slightly more. I asked whether my skills and experience could be taken into account and was told that they had no option of shifting on salary except to match what someone was being paid elsewhere.
I have never said yes in writing or verbally, and have stressed repeatedly that I need to know about salary before doing so, but everyone seems to be assuming it won’t be a problem.
I’m now in a difficult position. Had the actual position on salary been advertised I wouldn’t have applied. But if I back out now I am letting down the team and the organisation. And in this economy I am lucky to be offered any job at all, and freelance work could dry up at any time. Several friends have said I’m spoiled and ungrateful even to consider backing out, and told me I need to check my privilege. Are they right? And can I be sued if I turn the job down now?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
