'Say what you pay': salaries may become compulsory in job adverts

The UK government intends to require employers to state pay directly in job adverts. The Prime Minister's Office announced this on 5 November 2026, presenting a law under the banner 'say what you pay'.

What exactly would change?

According to the announcement, the law would 'legally require employers to publish salaries in job adverts'. It is not yet confirmed whether employers would have to give a fixed figure or a salary range; the government says these details, and which employers the duty applies to, will be set out later.

Why do it?

The argument is that leaving pay out of adverts hits people entering the jobs market hardest and makes it harder to compare offers. The Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, has said openness on pay helps narrow pay gaps. Until the law is passed, the Prime Minister is asking all businesses to state pay in adverts voluntarily.

Where things stand now

According to the HR body the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), in 2024 only 41% of employers always publish a salary range, and just 18% always publish a specific figure. The idea itself is popular: in a government consultation, 94% of respondents backed the requirement, including 93% of businesses.

Why it matters for newcomers to the jobs market

Right now there is no guaranteed way to learn the pay before you apply: candidates often see a figure only at interview, or even at the offer stage. For people entering the jobs market for the first time, or switching fields, that is especially unhelpful — it is harder to judge whether an application and interview prep are worth the time. That is why the government framed the move first as a way to help young people into work, not only as a measure against pay gaps.

When would it take effect?

There is no firm date. The government promises to introduce legislation 'as soon as possible' and to set out implementation and enforcement 'in due course'. So the duty is unlikely to be law in the coming months — though large employers increasingly state pay already.

What it means for jobseekers

While the step is voluntary, it is reasonable to ask for the salary range before an interview when a vacancy omits it — it saves time on clearly unsuitable offers. Watch for official updates on GOV.UK, where the text of the law and its timing will appear.