The majority of UK job adverts (71%) now include pay information – the highest rate in Europe. But according to research there is something that is still getting in the way of salary transparency: the widespread reluctance among UK employees to discuss earnings.
The survey, by hiring platform Indeed, found that while 81 percent of workers and jobseekers believe salary ranges should be included in job ads, nearly half (49%) say discussing pay remains a social taboo. An overwhelming 87 percent of UK employees feel uncomfortable asking colleagues about their salary and 84 percent are unwilling to share their own earnings.
Generational differences play a role, with younger workers more open about earnings, as only 2 percent of 18-24-year-olds feel uncomfortable sharing their salary. Attitudes towards salary discussions vary across the UK, with Belfast workers the least likely to ask about colleagues’ salaries, but the overall reluctance to discuss salary transparency in the workplace suggests deep-seated social norms around financial privacy in the UK.
Comfort levels in salary conversations
Employees are most comfortable discussing salaries within close personal relationships. Sixty-two percent of UK workers are willing to share their earnings with a partner, though fewer (58%) feel comfortable asking about their partner’s salary. The trend continues with close family members, where 49 percent are open to sharing their pay but only 36 percent feel comfortable asking about relatives’ earnings.
Among friends, 36 percent are willing to disclose their salary, while 29 percent would ask. Workplace discussions are far less common, with only 16 percent comfortable sharing pay details with colleagues and just 13 percent willing to ask.
A quarter (26%) of employees say they would politely decline if a colleague asked about their salary and 24 percent would give a vague response rather than a specific figure. Only 17 percent would openly share their salary, while 5 percent say they would be offended by the question.
Salary transparency and workplace pay equality
Danny Stacy, Head of Talent Intelligence at Indeed, said that reluctance to talk openly about pay can have negative consequences on pay equality.
“Avoiding salary discussions makes it harder for individuals to benchmark their earnings, negotiate fair pay and understand their worth in the job market. Conversations about salaries aren’t just about curiosity – they’re a crucial step towards pay equity and fairer workplaces,” Stacy said.
Stacy added, “Yet, as our research highlights, deep-seated social norms continue to make salary conversations difficult. While the UK leads Europe in job advert pay transparency, hesitation to discuss earnings in personal and professional settings could slow further progress in workplace pay equality.”
As salary transparency becomes a key focus in recruitment and employment policies, UK businesses may need to consider how workplace culture influences employees’ willingness to discuss pay. Encouraging open conversations about salaries could help improve pay equity and keep employees informed about their earnings.