There is no specific reason why you should get paid the same as someone else in your company, whether or not you do the same or similar jobs. There are many legitimate reasons why you might get different amounts, such as here where one employee has different skills to the other.

However, if the main reason for the different pay is a discriminatory one then you do have a case to ask for your pay to match. Eg if the reason is mainly due to race, sex, religion or belief, age or disability.

Unless it is an express term in your contract then your boss cannot prevent you talking about your salary with colleagues. Without an express term there would be no basis on which to take any action against you.

I have always understood that discussing wages with other staff members is always a big no-no.

You say it is 'illegal to take action against employees sharing their rates of pay'...you don't say any action has been taken against either of you other than a manager 'having a word' and to be honest I have never heard of such a thing. As I say staff discussing their individual wages is just not done.

You will most likely have a contract of employment and that is what you and the employer have agreed to. It may well contain a clause (I would be surprised if it didn't) barring discussing wages with other members of staff. It will also outline your wages agreement etc.

If as the manager has stated to you, your skills are not as great as those of the other person then the only 'next step' I can see is for you to work at improving your skills.

No steps at all except for looking for a different job. Your company is able to pay someone else more than you, if they think they are doing a better job. In the UK it's usually a no no to discuss wages with other employees.

No action you can take - the company will pay you what they think you're worth. Maybe it is time to find a different company who might value you more highly.

The company will pay what it can get away with. It is usual in non union workplaces for there to be a wage difference for the same grade this is why they have this do not discuss your pay in terms and conditions. Most of the major supermarkets have done it by re-structuring and then re-grading employees so that they are doing the mostly the same job with only a slight change and now on less money.

Sunday rates in most of the big supermarkets are not the same for staff employed within the last few years as they are for employees with longer service.

So unless you are in a union then there is not alot you can do about it. They can always make up excuses (reasons) why person "A" is on more or less per hour then person "B"

Speak to your boss and ask him you can qualify for the higher rate, but thats all you can do.

Dont give up your job, but look for a new one.

Absolutely nothing wrong with a manager telling staff not to discuss pay rates - that's hardly 'taking action' !

Of course it's upsetting if you are being paid less when you are convinced you are worth as much, but turn it to your advantage: ask your manager how to improve and what training he can arrange to ensure you do.

Good luck.

The company are entitled to pay employees what they like.

If you are getting less than someone else then ask for a rise or leave - quite simple really.