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 am a recent graduate and have been freelancing as a photographer ever since. A company for which I have recently been working has offered me a full-time position. It’s a good job and I don’t want to turn it down.
The only issue I have is with the salary that I will be starting on – the company has offered me the grand total of £10,000 a year. It said the reason for this is that I would be starting as an apprentice, yet I have an excellent degree and this is below the legal minimum wage for my age.
Considering that the company is based in south-west London and I will need to move to the area if I am to avoid a near impossible commute each day this seems exceptionally low. I have voiced my concerns and it has said the salary will rise to £12,000 after one month and then £14,000 after six. I am still deeply concerned as this remains well below the amount I would need to live on in London.
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.
