A large majority of UK job adverts continue to omit salary information, according to new research. The findings come as the government considers introducing legal measures to enforce pay transparency in recruitment.
The research from resume builder Resume.io, which analysed more than 20,000 job listings across 50 common roles, revealed that only 39 percent of job ads disclose salaries. This leaves over 60 percent of vacancies without clear pay details, making it difficult for job seekers to assess whether roles meet their financial expectations.
The study also shows that certain sectors are especially secretive about pay. Game developers are the least transparent, with fewer than 20 percent of job ads including salary information, despite an average salary of £55,000.
Other roles where salary disclosure is particularly low include orthodontists, HR professionals, economists and journalists, where fewer than one in four adverts reveal pay.
Transparency seen as essential for tackling inequality
This research comes at a time of growing debate around pay transparency, particularly as many workers are prioritising financial security. The lack of pay information in job adverts has raised concerns among experts. Simon Bocca, CEO of payroll software provider PayCaptain, spoke of the importance of open pay data.
“Open salary data is vital for closing the gender pay gap and fighting workplace inequality,” said Bocca. “When employers hide pay, it maintains outdated biases and makes it harder for marginalised groups to negotiate fair salaries.”
Bocca also pointed out that salary secrecy leads to inefficiencies in recruitment. “Candidates waste time applying for roles that do not meet their needs, and employers face delays as they filter applicants who would not have applied had the salary been clear upfront,” he said.
Government considers mandatory salary disclosure
The UK government is reviewing proposals that would require employers to include salary details in all job advertisements. The measure forms part of a broader effort to create a fairer, more transparent employment market. Research shows that 78 percent of job seekers are less likely to apply for a job if the salary is not disclosed.
The government’s review has drawn attention from employment experts and campaigners, many of whom argue that salary transparency is long overdue. Supporters say that clearer pay information could help reduce pay gaps and promote fairer competition for jobs.
The data shows that while some employers are adopting more open practices, widespread change has not yet occurred. Many companies still view pay details as sensitive, despite evidence that openness benefits both recruitment and employee retention.
“Pay transparency is no longer just a ‘nice to have’ – it is essential for creating an equitable workplace,” said Bocca. “It encourages fair pay practices, strengthens trust between employers and staff, and reduces wasted time in hiring.”
