1. Increase Applications by Up to 80%
UK data from Indeed shows that 71% of job adverts in the UK now include salary details, up from just 48% in 2019 (Reuters). Despite this improvement, a Resume.io study found that only 39% of UK job ads disclose salaries, meaning 61% of vacancies still lack this key information. By including a salary, employers can attract more applicants, particularly those who are unfamiliar with their brand.
2. Build Trust and Employer Brand
Jobseekers associate pay transparency with fairness and professionalism. A clear salary range helps position your company as open, honest and employee-focused. This trust builds stronger engagement throughout the recruitment process and beyond, contributing to better retention and overall satisfaction.
3. Prepare for Upcoming Pay Transparency Legislation
The UK government is reviewing several reforms aimed at improving pay transparency. These include:
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Requiring salary bands in all job adverts
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Banning the practice of asking candidates for previous salary history
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Publishing clear internal pay structures and progression criteria
A formal consultation on these changes closed on 30 June 2025. Legislation could be introduced through the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill later this year, and employers who prepare now will avoid being caught off guard.
4. Promote Pay Equity
Research shows that salary transparency contributes to closing the gender pay gap. A UK academic study from 2020 found that firms disclosing pay data saw an 18 percent reduction in their gender pay gap. Publicly listing salaries can also highlight disparities that employers can then take steps to correct, which is particularly important for larger organisations.
5. Reduce Recruitment Waste
When salary is not disclosed, candidates may apply without a clear understanding of whether the role is a financial fit. This can result in time wasted by both the applicant and the recruiter. Including salary bands helps applicants self-select, reducing time spent screening unsuitable candidates.
6. Gain Competitive Advantage and Attract Diverse Talent
The UK currently leads Europe in pay transparency. Around 71 percent of UK job adverts include salary information, compared to under 50 percent in France and less than 20 percent in Germany. Transparent adverts also attract a broader range of candidates, including those from underrepresented groups, who may be more hesitant to apply without knowing whether the salary aligns with their expectations.
7. Strengthen Internal Culture and Retention
Pay transparency is linked with improved employee morale. In a UK study, 71 percent of employees said salary transparency increases job satisfaction. When staff know they are being paid fairly and competitively, it builds trust in the employer and reduces the likelihood of staff looking elsewhere.
Practical Steps for Employers
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Include clear, realistic salary bands in all job adverts (for example, £35,000 to £45,000).
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Conduct internal pay audits to ensure fairness before publishing salary ranges.
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Remove questions about previous salary from your recruitment process.
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Train your hiring managers to discuss pay and progression with confidence.
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Benchmark your salaries regularly to remain competitive.
Summary Table
| Benefit | Impact in the UK |
|---|---|
| Higher application rates | Over 70% of applicants prefer ads with salary information |
| Increased trust and appeal | Boosts employer reputation and candidate engagement |
| Legislative alignment | Gets ahead of incoming UK pay transparency rules |
| Reduced gender pay gap | Associated with up to 18% reduction in gender pay disparities |
| Better retention and morale | Builds loyalty and reduces turnover |
If you need any advice, salary benchmarking or assistance with roles you’re recruiting, contact us.
