Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to introduce a new law that will require employers to publish salaries in job adverts, changing how every Brit applies for a job.
Under the new plans, jobseekers will no longer have to apply for jobs without knowing what they will be paid. The Government will mandate that job adverts "say what you pay" by making the publication of salaries a legal requirement.
Addressing jobseeker frustrations
It is estimated that less than half (41%) of employers always publish salary ranges, and only one in five (18%) always publish specific salaries. The change aims to tackle a common frustration for jobseekers, particularly young people applying for their first job, while also helping to address pay inequalities that can disadvantage women.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Whether you’re a young person starting out or a parent trying to support your family, you should know what a job pays before spending your time and effort applying for it. That’s why we will make it a legal requirement for all employers to say what you pay."
He added: "But breaking down barriers is only one part of the job. We also need businesses to open more doors and give young people the experience and confidence to take that first step into the world of work."
Legislation and business response
The Government will bring forward legislation to require employers to include salary information on job adverts as soon as possible, with further details to be set out in due course. In the meantime, the Prime Minister has urged businesses to disclose salaries on job ads now, rather than wait for the law to change.
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson said: "What a job pays is rightly at the forefront of people’s minds when looking for work - it shouldn’t be a guessing game."
She added: "It’s more important than ever today for people to know if a role will pay the bills or if you’re qualified enough for it. Mandatory salary information on job adverts will help young people make informed choices, help close the gender pay gap, and tackle an everyday annoyance that can stand in the way of applying for a job."
Work experience expansion
The Government also announced plans to join forces with a growing movement of businesses to create more work experience opportunities, helping deliver its ambition of 200,000 additional placements for 14–16-year-olds.
Siemens Mobility is the latest major employer to take part, with its new work experience programme creating more than 3,300 opportunities every year and reaching 10,000 young people over three years.
Rob Morris, managing director at Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, said: "Britain’s railways are changing fast. From AI and digital technology to advanced manufacturing, we need a new generation of engineers and innovators to shape their future."
