Many people feel uncomfortable when employers ask about money during job interviews. While laws protect job applicants from discrimination based on age, disability, or gender, there are currently no regulations stopping employers from asking about your past salary or pay expectations. However, job seekers are not required to disclose their previous earnings if they prefer not to.
Campaigners, such as the Fawcett Society, argue that asking about past pay helps maintain historic pay gaps for women, disabled workers, and minority groups. When employers base new offers on past salaries rather than skills and experience, they reward perceived worth and negotiating ability instead of actual job performance. Because of this, campaigns like #EndSalaryHistory urge employers to stop asking applicants about their pay history.
If you are asked about pay during an interview, workplace advisers say you can choose how to respond. You can share your current salary if you feel comfortable, or you can state your salary expectations for the new role instead. Experts warn against lying about past pay, as the risks outweigh any reward. Instead, recruitment experts suggest researching market rates, focusing on your skills, and clearly explaining the value you will bring to the company.