Job Interview Questions About Salary: What Candidates Should Know

In the UK, while employers can ask candidates about their current salary during job interviews, applicants are not required to disclose this information. Louise Rudd, a senior adviser at the workplace advice and conciliation service Acas, stated that there are no regulations preventing employers from asking about salary history or expectations. However, a campaign has been launched to discourage this practice, with organizations like the Fawcett Society arguing that such questions can perpetuate pay inequalities based on gender, race, and disability. In the EU, new regulations will ban the practice, but similar measures are not currently included in the UK Cabinet Office plans, which focus instead on requiring employers to publish salary information in job advertisements. Candidates are encouraged to focus on their skills and experience rather than their salary history, with Rudd suggesting that applicants may prefer to provide salary expectations or discuss their understanding of the salary range for the role. Shazia Ejaz, director of campaigns at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, advised jobseekers to approach salary discussions with realism and confidence, emphasizing the importance of showcasing their value and understanding the market rate for the position.