How bad is this line in my revised employment terms?

submitted by OrionsMask to askchapo 6 points | 2 comments

I’m in England (relevant for legal juridictions) and been with my current employer for over 4 years. Earlier this year I went through a months-long negotiation for a promotion with a two-stage pay increase - one stage effective immediately upon starting the new role, and a second stage due a few months later. Throughout the entire process, both increases were presented without any conditions attached other than accepting the new title and responsibilities.

When I received written confirmation via email, the exact wording was:

“As per our previous conversation, I am confirming your salary increase to £(salary) per annum, effective (date in April), and to £(salary)per annum, effective (date in July).”

No stipulation attached. From my perspective, an unconditional agreement. This comes with a 3-6 month progression period but this was always framed as being for my development, not criteria to decide if the July increase is awarded or not.

I’m 5 weeks into the new role and have just this week received a “formal” letter confirming my title and salary. It contains the following addition that wasn’t in any prior communication:

“[Second increase] subject to business and personal performance. ”

Can anyone offer advice on whether this is standard language or if this constitutes a change of the previously established terms? Between now and then, I have had to have an unofficial chat with HR about my manager who is also in charge of this, and there has been tension between us for a while. My friend is saying this is boilerplate, but to me it comes across as changing the agreed terms, and I just want to make sure that I’m protecting myself from them manufacturing avenues to screw me out of the increase or worse, terminate my employment (out of retaliation for going to HR).

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated - will likely delete this later because of doxxing implications but thank you!