Petition · Department for Work and Pensions

Ban employers & recruiters asking about candidates’ salaries when recruiting

Open for signatures 33 signatures

What the petition asks

Change employment laws so that employers and recruiters are prohibited from asking candidates about their current or previous salary at any stage of the recruitment process.
We believe a person’s salary history reflects past circumstances, not their skills or suitability for a role. Allowing employers to ask this question could lock people into lower pay and carry forward past underpayment throughout their careers. This affects workers at all wage levels and may limit fair pay progression. Banning salary-history questions could support fairer recruitment and ensure pay is based on the role and the candidate’s capability.

Timeline

10 Mar 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 33
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Work and Pensions
Opened 10 Mar 2026

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.