The Prime Minister has announced plans to legally mandate that employers must publish salaries in job adverts. This initiative, dubbed the ‘say what you pay’ law, seeks to address the frustration of jobseekers, particularly young people entering the workforce, who often apply for roles without knowing the potential earnings. Currently, less than half of employers consistently publish salary ranges, and only 18% provide specific salary figures.
The government believes this change will not only help jobseekers focus on suitable opportunities and apply with greater confidence but also contribute to closing pay inequalities, which disproportionately affect women. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated, "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."
The government is also encouraging businesses to increase work experience opportunities for young people. Siemens Mobility has committed to providing 10,000 work experience placements in engineering and technology over three years. The Prime Minister is urging more businesses to support the government's target of delivering 200,000 work experience opportunities.
Early analysis of a government consultation shows strong support for pay transparency, with 94% of respondents, including 93% of businesses, backing the requirement. The government plans to introduce the legislation as soon as possible and is calling on businesses to voluntarily adopt the practice in the interim.
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson highlighted the importance of knowing a job's pay, stating, "What a job pays is rightly at the forefront of people’s minds when looking for work - it shouldn’t be a guessing game." Penny East, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, added that salary secrecy has historically disadvantaged women and that this move is a significant step towards fairer work and tackling the gender pay gap.
Nishi Mayor, Director of Employer Engagement & Partnerships at the Youth Futures Foundation, noted that clear pay information can help young people make informed decisions and potentially lead to more suitable candidates applying for roles. Siemens Mobility's programme aims to spark interest in engineering from an early age, addressing the disparity in career aspirations between boys and girls.
“"I started my own career as a graduate at Siemens Mobility, so I know first-hand how important those early opportunities can be. I particularly hope today’s lesson inspires more girls to see the possibilities that engineering and technology can offer."
Aglaja Schneider also emphasised the importance of investing in future talent, noting that up to 70,000 workers may leave Britain’s rail industry by 2030. Siemens Mobility's £360 million investment in the UK supports advanced engineering and manufacturing, creating opportunities and developing skilled talent for the future of Britain's railways.
“"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."
“"As an engineer and a mum to a ten-year-old daughter that wants to have a job like mine, I want young people to see that engineering is for them. There are so many different routes into the industry and career options behind the railways people use every day."
The government's initiative is part of a broader strategy to support young people into education, employment, or training, with further reforms expected following the Milburn Review into youth inactivity.
