Rotherham MP backs plans to make salary information mandatory in job adverts

A Rotherham MP says he is backing new plans to make businesses ‘say what they pay’ when advertising jobs.

The Labour government has pledged to make salary information mandatory in job adverts, as part of what it described as its "wider work to tackle pay discrimination, close the gender pay gap and create a fairer jobs market."

Under the proposals, employers would be required to include clear salary information in job adverts, meaning jobseekers would no longer have to decipher vague terms such as 'competitive salary' or 'generous perks' to work out whether a job pays enough to support themselves and their families.

The plans are intended to help tackle pay discrimination, particularly against women, who too often face barriers to getting a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. When salaries are hidden, it can be harder to spot pay discrimination, challenge unfair differences in pay and ensure people are being paid fairly.

John Healey, Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Conisbrough and Rawmarsh, has also backed the proposals.

He said: ""People looking for work deserve honesty from employers. Applying for a job can be a major life decision, but too many applicants are expected to invest time and effort without knowing one of the most important details: the salary.”

“While job adverts often set out every qualification, responsibility and expectation, many still fail to tell candidates what they will actually be paid.”

"That lack of transparency can reinforce existing inequalities, particularly for women, who continue to face barriers in securing equal pay."

The Government says the changes would also benefit young people entering the workforce, making it easier for those at the start of their careers to find opportunities that meet their skills and pay the bills, without wasting time applying for jobs that do not offer the right salary.

Mr Healey added: "Bringing salaries into the open would help shine a light on unfairness and support greater accountability.”

“It would also give young people and working families the information they need to plan their futures with confidence. People should not have to guess whether a job will cover their rent, mortgage or childcare costs.”

“Put simply, if employers know what a job is worth, applicants should know too."

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said: “We welcome the Government's proposals to require salary information to be included in job advertisements.”

“Pay transparency helps jobseekers make informed decisions, supports fair recruitment practices and creates a more efficient labour market for both employers and candidates. Businesses that already operate with clear and transparent pay structures should see little impact from the changes and may benefit from a more level playing field.”

“The organisations most likely to face challenges are those that currently lack transparency around pay or cannot readily justify inconsistencies in their remuneration practices. Greater openness will encourage higher standards across the labour market and increase confidence among jobseekers.”

“Overall, we believe these proposals represent a positive step towards a fairer, more transparent and more competitive economy.”