This is an offer from your current employer to counter an offer from a prospective employer.

When contemplating a counter offer there are a numerous factors worth considering before making a final decision.

• Have the reasons for leaving your current employer been addressed in their new offer? Have your prospects improved in the company because of it?

• If you decide to accept the offer, would this jeopardise any future employment with the prospective company?

• Could your current employer have their own reasons for the counter offer that you are not aware of?

• You should question why they are only offering you what you deserve now, rather than before your resignation. Could the counter offer just be an advanced pay rise that should, but now won’t, happen in the future with this company?

• It is highly likely that your current employer, although giving a counter offer, is also looking for replacement candidates willing to accept your current package.

• With your initial resignation, and even with a counter offer, the company may question your loyalty in respect to promotions and ‘lay-offs’ in the future.

• Co-workers are also aware of company dealings, if it is found out that you were looking to leave, the dynamics of these relationships may change.

Despite our current resource short market it is not good business practice to encourage a bidding war. Statistically it has been proven that most people who accept a counter offer end up leaving their current employer within 6-12 months.