Ask Kate Column:Ros says she hasn’t had a pay rise in four years. “I want to ask for a pay rise but with everything going on in the world economy and some people losing their jobs in Australia, it just doesn’t seem right to ask.”

First of all, don’t let the current economic climate make you feel guilty about wanting a pay rise. For four years during the economic good times you were not given a pay rise so it sounds like you are overdue for a pay review.

Pay rises should be based on performance and your contribution to the business but I would be writing in la la land if I said your employer’s response will not be influenced by the current economic climate. It will be.

However, for people like Ros and also all those people who have survived redundancies and who are taking on bucket loads of extra work and responsibilities you probably do deserve a pay rise.

We have a very good step-by-step guide on how to ask for a pay rise and the advice is as relevant now as it has been in the buoyant times. Build a case, don’t ambush the boss and don’t get emotional.

Frankly, it’s not a great time to be asking for money but that is no reason not to ask. You will find our guide, “How to make a pay rise pitch”, plus salary surveys and a link to the government award rates on our website. Go to www.careerone.com.au, click on News & Advice and then Salary Centre.