The UK government has announced plans to make salary information mandatory on job advertisements, as part of a broader rewrite of anti-discrimination laws. The Cabinet Office published a policy document outlining the proposals, which aim to increase transparency in the jobs market and reduce pay discrimination. A consultation with industry will run until October, after which legislation will be drafted for England, Wales, and Scotland.
The exact details of what must be disclosed are still under discussion. Officials are consulting on whether employers will need to show an exact salary, a pay range, or a "benchmark rate" for a role. They are also considering whether information beyond base pay, such as bonuses, should be included. Employers that do not publish a job advert would have to provide this information in writing before an interview.
Why transparency matters
The Cabinet Office argues that salary transparency helps jobseekers make informed decisions and improves hiring by filtering out candidates with mismatched pay expectations. Citing academic studies, the document notes that when pay is opaque, stereotypes about gender, ethnicity, or disability can influence salary offers. The government hopes the reforms will prevent future discrimination claims and promote fairer outcomes.
The proposals mirror pay transparency rules being rolled out across the European Union, where employers with over 100 workers must disclose pay or ranges for new roles, either in adverts or before interviews. Unlike the EU, the UK plan does not include a ban on asking candidates about their salary history.
Current trends and challenges
While pay transparency is not yet mandatory in the UK, voluntary disclosure has been growing, especially in public bodies and charities. However, a CIPD study found that many employers are not fully transparent, with some pay ranges exceeding £10,000. The government's consultation will also seek input on how to ensure meaningful disclosure.
The proposals apply to England, Wales, and Scotland. Northern Ireland's rights watchdog has argued that EU rules should apply there under the Windsor Framework, but the Northern Ireland Executive has not yet indicated its position. The BBC has asked for clarity on Northern Ireland's plans.