New Salary Transparency Laws in Europe
Salary transparency is something I’ve been advocating for since the beginning of times…
Finally, some states in the USA & Canada have made it mandatory for companies to disclose salaries in their job ads, but sadly other countries are slower on the uptake.
While current hiring laws in Europe aim to ensure equal pay and prevent discrimination, these regulations often lack clear, actionable guidelines and instructions for how employers must implement them in their hiring processes.
Thankfully, the European Union has introduced the EU Pay Transparency Directive, effective from June 2026. This directive sets specific requirements, including:
Listing salary ranges in job posts.
Using gender neutral language in job descriptions.
Banning employers from asking candidates about their salary history.
Shifting the burden of proof in employment tribunals to employers.
Salary transparency plays an important role in creating a fairer job market. By addressing gender and other pay inequalities, transparent salary ranges help reduce pay gaps and ensures equity in the workplace.
Here are some European countries that are already leading the way in salary transparency:
Germany: Employers must disclose salary ranges upon request.
Austria: Mandatory salary disclosure in job ads has been a standard since 2011.
France: Encourages salary inclusion with added compliance incentives.
For job seekers, salary transparency:
provides a significant advantage by offering clarity and helps with better decision-making.
allow candidates to compare offers and ensure the roles they pursue align with their financial expectations.
helps with salary negotiate
sheds light on market trends, offering valuable insights into industry pay standards across different locations and roles.
The EU Pay Transparency Directive is a major win for job seekers, allowing individuals to approach the job market with clarity and confidence. It’s also an opportunity for forward-thinking companies to build trust and attract top talents.
Ready to take advantage of these changes and land a remote job that aligns with your financial goals?
Stay rebellious,
Michelle
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