Only 46 per cent of people have had a conversation with their employer about increasing their pay -- despite 54 per cent feeling they are underpaid.

 

And it seems this reluctance¹ is mainly down to our squeamishness over talking about money.

 

The poll² of 2,000 workers revealed that a fifth of employees dread³ having to talk about pay or contracts -- with 21 per cent admitting they are too nervous to ask for a pay review.

 

And one in five fear losing their job, according to the research by employment law specialists Slater & Gordon.

 

Others said they felt uncomfortable talking about money, thought it would make them appear ungrateful, or worried it would damage their relationship with their boss.

 

Deborah Casale, from Slater & Gordon, said: 'A lot of people don't have a trade union to fight their corner any more so they can easily find themselves being taken advantage of in the workplace.

 

'This research revealed that many people thought they were underpaid or paid less than colleagues who were doing the same role but felt too scared to have a conversation with their employer about their pay.

 

'Often people prefer not to talk about money and to be discreet⁴ about how much they earn but this can often leave them at a real disadvantage.

 

'We deal with a lot of cases every year where employees know they have been treated differently to colleagues with no justification⁵ as to why that decision has been taken.

 

'It's key for people to feel that they can address issues around pay and benefits openly with their manager to prevent these discrepancies⁶ in treatment happening.'

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