Wage increase and verbal commitment - Legal aid centre

Questioner

Last year during my appraisal interview there was talk about a pay rise. Since I was not yet fully trained and did not yet function at the level of the salary scale mentioned, I worked for the same salary last year (only the normal step up). Last year I was verbally promised that after taking a course and functioning at a slightly higher level, I would be able to move up a salary scale this year. My manager didn't put this in writing at the time. Afterwards I asked him about it verbally but he said 'that it would be fine'. I now function almost entirely at a higher level and have completed the course mentioned. Today I had my new appraisal interview and now I am told that I am not yet functioning at the level of the function one scale higher, but I cannot yet give examples. Instead of the structural salary increase, I am now being offered a gratuity (amount still to be determined). Probably the amount I get as a difference with the higher scale, but that also depends on what the department can pay. In the conversation I indicated that it is not my fault that I have not yet been trained in a small part of the work, this is due to a lack of time on the part of the trainee (which in turn is caused by the manager who makes an incorrect prioritization in our planning). However, my manager says that he can do nothing other than give the bonus and the HR employee who was present at the meeting also confirmed this. What about the verbal promise I had last year? Can I do anything with this or should I accept the bonus and have it recorded in the report of the appraisal interview for the next time that I will receive a pay rise?

Lawyer

A verbal agreement is in principle legally valid. You must be able to demonstrate that your manager has offered you a pay rise. It is indeed wise to ask for confirmation of the commitment. If you wish, you can contact us without any obligation.