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Pay & Benefits · UK 2026

Should I list my current salary on a job application?

Alex By Alex · 12-year UK recruiter · Updated April 2026

What's legal in the UK. UK employers cannot require salary disclosure as a condition of considering your application. They can ask, and many do, but you're entitled to refuse or defer.

What disclosing does to you. Anchors the offer to your current salary plus a small adjustment (typically 5-15%) rather than to the role's market rate. UK candidates who anchor to current salary leave roughly 10-15% on the table on average.

How to handle the application form field. If the field is optional, leave it blank or write 'available on request'. If the field is required (some ATS forms force a number), put your target salary, not your current. 'Targeted' or 'desired' framing is more accurate than 'current' if the form forces input.

If asked directly in screening call. 'I'm looking at roles in the £X-£Y range based on the market for this role and level. Would you mind sharing the band for this position?' Direct, professional, redirects to market rate rather than your current number.

When you do have to disclose. If a recruiter or company is genuinely insisting (some still do), give the number but immediately frame what you're looking for: 'I'm currently on £X but I'm looking for £Y based on the market for this role.'

Related questions

How do I handle the salary question in the first interview?

Deflect to a range based on market data, not a specific number. Frame your range with the employer's compensation philosophy in mind. Avoid …

How do I negotiate a UK job offer?

Ask for time. Counter-anchor with one specific number based on market data, not a percentage. Negotiate the full package, not just base. Get…

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