UK Job Seekers Not Legally Bound to Reveal Current Salary in Interviews

Job applicants in the United Kingdom are not legally obligated to disclose their current salary during the hiring process, even though employers remain within their rights to ask. This distinction creates a unique landscape compared to the European Union, where new regulations prohibit recruitment firms from inquiring about salary history.

The question often causes discomfort for candidates, yet there is no regulatory barrier preventing employers from seeking this financial information. Louise Rudd, a senior adviser at the workplace advice and conciliation service Acas, confirmed that while companies can ask about both current pay and salary expectations, they must ensure fairness by posing identical questions to all applicants.

Advocacy groups have long campaigned against the practice. The Fawcett Society, an organization dedicated to gender equality, argued that asking for salary history perpetuates historic pay gaps tied to gender, race, and disability. They contended that basing offers on previous earnings rewards negotiation skills rather than actual ability and performance.

In the EU, the ban on salary history questions is part of broader new rules being implemented across the bloc. Meanwhile, the UK Cabinet Office has focused on different measures, such as encouraging employers to publish salary ranges in job advertisements, rather than prohibiting the question itself.

Experts advise that candidates who feel uncomfortable answering the question are not required to do so. Instead, they may choose to state their salary expectations or the market rate for the role. Shazia Ejaz, director of campaigns at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, recommended that jobseekers approach the topic with confidence, focusing on the value and skills they bring to the position.

Although some individuals may consider inflating their current salary to secure a higher offer in a new role, recruiters warn that the risks of dishonesty in an interview typically outweigh any potential financial gain. Ultimately, preparation regarding market rates and personal value is seen as the strongest strategy for securing a fair compensation package.