New research conducted by CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, reveals that three quarters (74.1%) of education professionals haven’t had a formal pay review meeting in the past year. This has resulted in just 20% of workers in the industry receiving a pay rise over the last 12 months, despite not being offered an annual pay review.
In addition to this, the study, which surveyed over 1,200 UK professionals, found that over three quarters (77.8%) of workers in the industry believe they’re underpaid. Worse still, half (50%) think that their employer actively avoids the topic of pay altogether.
Interestingly, the research exposed that education is one of the top five industries where professionals haven’t been offered a pay review meeting in the last 12 months:
Catering (81.3%)
Social care (79.4%)
Retail (78%)
Legal (75%)
Education (74.1%)
Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library, comments: “Feeling like you’re underpaid and aren’t properly financially rewarded 
for your efforts can be demoralising. Pay is a huge motivator at work, so it is alarming to see so few education professionals have been offered a formal pay review meeting in the past year.
“With uncertainty around Brexit and the likelihood of losing skilled EU education professionals, many organisations across the industry are concerned about their talent pipelines. So, if you believe you’re performing well in your role and have the right skills and qualifications, it’s definitely worth broaching the subject of a pay rise with your employer.”
The study also reveals that nearly two thirds (64.8%) of educators find it awkward discussing their pay with their employer. But, of the 25.9% of industry professionals who were granted a pay review meeting, the majority (85.7%) received a pay rise.
Biggins offers his five top tips for asking for a pay rise:
Schedule in a meeting with your boss with the agenda set as a pay review
Come prepared with examples and arguments of why you deserve it; organisation is key
Be confident in your arguments but don’t appear arrogant; this can deter your employer
Don’t be afraid to negotiate, it can’t hurt to try your luck meeting them half way
Be prepared to be told ‘no’, you won’t always get a pay rise the first time you ask, but there are other aspects you can negotiate on, like holiday or workplace perks
