According to new research, two-thirds (63%) of job seekers won’t apply to roles without the salary being listed.
In the UK, two thirds of people (64%) said that they would not apply for a job if there was no salary listed.
In a survey of 2,003 respondents, Jack & Grace Communications, a B-corp, who is leading a transparency campaign, found that over half of the respondents (58%) would be willing share their salary if this would reduce pay inequalities. This figure rises to 62% for 16-34-year-olds.
Data shows a clear change in attitudes, especially among younger workers who expect more transparency around pay.
One-fourth (41%) of people discovered that a co-worker in the same role or similar was being paid differently. This figure rose to 58% for younger millennials (aged between 25 and 34).
The #SayThePay Campaign shines a light on businesses that are already committed to salary disclosure. This includes the London Wildlife Trust and Coop.
In the EU, pay transparency will be a legal requirement for job-seekers in 2026. However, there is no such requirement in the UK. The campaign calls on UK employers to adopt transparent pay practices now.
Laura Chambers said that the data was a “clear signal”.
She continued: “Today’s workforce expects transparent – and employers who don’t get onboard will miss out on talent, especially among younger candidates. Pay transparency is not just about fairness, but also a strategy for recruitment and retention.
“We are proud to be a part of an employer community that is leading the way on salary transparency. Now we’re calling on all organizations to join us. Let’s make fairness a standard.
Last summer, it was discovered that less than half of UK-based businesses are ready to comply with the European Union Pay Transparency Directive. This directive will come into effect in EU countries by June 2026.
Aon, a professional services firm, conducted a study on pay transparency that included more than 200 companies. The results showed that only 9% said they were “ready” to implement pay transparency.
Subscribe to our weekly HR news and guidance
Every Wednesday, receive the Personnel Today Direct newsletter.
The directive will affect many larger companies in the UK, despite the fact that the UK is not in the EU.
Personnel Today has the latest HR job openings.
Browse Human Resources Jobs
