Most UK firms set to share pay ranges with staff as pay transparency grows – WTW

The European Union (EU) pay transparency directive has started a shift in pay culture in the UK, with three quarters of firms planning to share pay ranges with staff, according to the 2025 Pay Transparency survey by WTW.

The survey found 76% of UK companies intend to share individual pay ranges with employees and 70% plan to share pay range details with external candidates. 

This happened even though the directive does not legally apply in the UK. 

The move was mainly driven by regulatory requirements (59%), employee expectations (46%) and company values (41%). 

The data also showed UK firms are still less likely to share pay information compared to other countries.

Employers said the main reasons for holding back were concerns about an increase in questions from staff and managers (73%), more pay negotiations (55%) and worries about whether managers can explain pay properly.

Eva Jesmiatka, europe lead on pay & career equity at WTW, said: “We’re starting to see a cultural shift take place around pay in the UK despite the fact that UK companies are not directly impacted by the EU Pay Transparency Directive. 

“Companies recognise that increased pay transparency will become a new reality which can support their employer brand and build competitive advantage in the talent market.