Talking about money can be awkward — especially when it’s with your boss. But if you’ve been working hard, taking on more responsibility, or delivering results that go beyond your job description, it’s perfectly fair to ask for a pay rise.
In fact, knowing how to advocate for your worth is one of the most powerful career and financial skills you can develop. This guide walks you through how to prepare, ask confidently, and negotiate effectively — all within a UK workplace context.
💡 1. Know When It’s the Right Time
Timing matters almost as much as what you say. A few ideal moments to ask for a pay rise include:
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After a strong performance review
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When you’ve taken on new duties or projects
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Once you’ve been in your role for 12 months or more
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When your company or department is performing well financially
Avoid asking right after company cutbacks, redundancies, or poor performance reports. Pick your moment strategically — when your value is clear and the mood is positive.
📊 2. Research Your Market Value
Before you start the conversation, you need to know what people in similar roles are earning. This helps you make a fact-based case instead of guessing.
Useful UK salary tools:
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Glassdoor (average salaries by job title and company)
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Indeed Salary Calculator
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Totaljobs or Reed Salary Checker
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ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings
Compare your salary to others in similar roles, regions, and industries. If you find you’re underpaid, note the average range and bring that data to your discussion.
🧾 3. Prepare Your Case
You’re not just asking for more money — you’re presenting evidence that you’ve earned it.
List specific examples of what you’ve achieved, such as:
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Projects you’ve completed successfully
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Revenue or efficiency you’ve generated
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Responsibilities you’ve taken on beyond your job description
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Positive feedback from clients or managers
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Training or qualifications you’ve completed
Quantify your impact wherever possible — numbers speak louder than general statements.
For example:
“I streamlined the reporting process, which cut turnaround time by 30%.”
“I brought in three new clients worth £40,000 in revenue.”
These concrete examples make it hard to argue against your contribution.
🗓️ 4. Book a Proper Meeting
Don’t drop the topic casually or mention it at the end of a team meeting.
Request a dedicated one-to-one meeting with your manager.
You can say something like:
“I’d like to arrange a short meeting to discuss my performance and future within the company. Would next week work for you?”
This signals that you’re serious, professional, and organised — setting the tone for a constructive discussion.
🗣️ 5. Practice What You’ll Say
Many people feel nervous asking for a raise, so rehearsing beforehand helps.
Here’s a structure you can follow:
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Start positively – thank your manager for their time.
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Present your achievements – use clear, evidence-backed examples.
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State your request confidently – “Based on my contribution and market rates, I’d like to discuss an increase to £XX,XXX.”
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Pause and listen – allow them to respond; silence shows confidence.
Keep your tone polite but assertive — you’re not demanding, you’re negotiating.
Avoid phrases like:
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“I need more money.”
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“I’ve been here a while, so I deserve it.”
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“Someone else earns more.”
Instead, focus on value: what you’ve delivered and why it benefits the company to keep you motivated and fairly compensated.
💬 6. Handle Objections Calmly
If your manager can’t offer a pay rise immediately, don’t take it personally — many factors (like budgets or HR cycles) may be out of their control.
Instead, ask constructive follow-up questions:
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“Can we set some clear objectives so I can work towards a raise in the next review?”
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“Is there flexibility around bonuses, extra leave, or other benefits in the meantime?”
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“When would be a good time to revisit this conversation?”
Taking a calm, solutions-focused approach keeps the door open and shows professionalism.
💷 7. Know Your Worth — and Your Bottom Line
You don’t have to accept the first offer if it’s below your expectations.
Be ready to negotiate — but also know your minimum acceptable amount based on your research and responsibilities.
If your employer truly can’t meet your value, it might be time to explore other opportunities. Sometimes the biggest pay rise comes from moving roles, not waiting for one internally.
🧭 8. Explore Other Benefits
If a salary increase isn’t possible, there may be non-financial rewards worth negotiating. These can improve your quality of life and future earnings potential, such as:
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Flexible or remote working
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Extra annual leave
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Professional development courses
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A one-off bonus or profit share
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Support for further qualifications
These perks have real value — sometimes even more than a small pay rise.
🕐 9. Follow Up Professionally
After the meeting, send a polite thank-you email summarising what you discussed.
If your manager agreed to review your salary later, note the timeframe and follow up when the date arrives.
Example:
“Thanks for taking the time to discuss my role today. I appreciate your feedback and look forward to revisiting the topic in three months as agreed.”
This keeps everything documented and maintains positive communication.
🌱 10. Keep Investing in Yourself
The best long-term strategy for higher earnings is to keep improving your skills.
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Attend industry events or webinars
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Take short online courses
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Stay updated on new tools or technologies in your field
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Seek mentorship or coaching
When you consistently grow, your value grows with you — both to your current employer and on the wider job market.
⚙️ Bonus: What to Do If You Hear “No”
Rejection doesn’t mean the end of the conversation. If you’re turned down:
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Ask for clear reasons — budget, timing, performance, or other factors.
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Request specific, measurable goals that would justify a future raise.
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Set a follow-up meeting date to review progress.
Then keep track of your achievements — it makes your next conversation much stronger.