In 2024 I finished 2 qualifications to bring myself in line with where I should be for my job. (I was hired in 2023 with no experience or qualifications) I did this under a study contract with agreed pay rises per qualification. This Study contact does not account for inflation at all. On my Study Contract it is agreed that I dont receive any inflationary payrises, just the agreed study qualification rises. And this is for everyone in my department.

A change was implemented last year that based on good performance we would get a pay review which looked at inflation and our performance.

EVERYONE in my department has been given the inflation rise and some have received a little extra for good performance. I scored well in my performance review with bo negative feedback, yet I have been denied any rise. Their reasoning is because I received rises last year (eg i passed 'too many' exams) . All I did was follow what they said and the exam providers guidance on time dedicated to each qualification, I didnt rush I just succeeded. My logic is, other people in my department have received a free rise, havent worked towards any exams and have been rewarded. Yet I have worked hard (at the pace advised) and have been punished (that's how I feel). Currently arguing my case and explaining how I feel I deserve the rise. My qualifications are seperate to inflation in my eyes as my study contract doesnt account for it.

I feel my work is now being worth less than it was. AITAH?