Is it pointless asking for a pay rise?

I intend asking for a pay rise. My salary has been static for 2.5 years but my workload and responsibility has recently increased significantly (nothing to do with people being laid off or any recessionary type issues just normal carrer progression).

Obviously there is a particular focus nationally on pay related issues at the moment which may make it easy to refuse my pay review request but I figure there must be poeple in a similar position and if so have you had any success?

I was wondering about the same thing! I have an annual review shortly and I have been doing things over and above my job description. In addition I am travelling a good bit, which is costing me. (I know one is not supposed to make money on travel claims, but I am out of pocket as I have increased childcare when I travel.) I don't know whether to ask for more money as it stands, or offer to do even more work (which I dont really have time for, without getting help from more junior colleagues).

Now that I think about it, I might as well ask as the worst that can happen is they say no, in which case I am no worse off! Gutinstinct, my "Gut Instinct" is to highlight all the good work and then ask away. Good luck, and let me know how you get on!

No, not pointless at all IMO.

Not every company is floundering - in fact some are even prospering.

I'd recommend that you be fairly sure that the company is in a healthy position though - you could be viewed as having a brass neck otherwise.

Oh, and regardless of the economic climate, I assume you think you genuinely deserve it too?

Flip - I had my review and I chickened out of asking for more. I wouldnt mind but I got through my "sales pitch" and said all the stuff I was doing outside my role and mentioned more stuff I was willing to get involved with. The boss stopped me (think he knew where I was going) and launched into loads of praise and that's where we stopped. Kicking myself now.

If you don't try you definately won't get one! It is certainly more of an employers market now and many companies are using the downturn as an excuse not to pay increases regardless of whether they are affected by it or not, but you sound to have a reasonably good case for an raise so I say go for it!
Let us know how you get on!