Nearly one in five job ads list legal entitlements as perks, research finds

In the study, 30% of advertised jobs did not disclose salary. 

Strategy and consultancy had 205 ads without pay details, estate agents had 154, and manufacturing had 143. 

Strategy and consultancy often avoided pay details due to negotiation-based compensation. 

Estate agencies used commission structures, so pay was not clearly stated. 

Manufacturing included multiple pay components, leading employers to favour negotiation after screening.

Retail, catering, social care and charity had the most transparent salary information, with retail at 256 ads, catering at 247, social care at 247, and charity at 242.

17% of jobs advertised a set salary, while 53% advertised pay ranges. 

The average gap between the bottom and top of salary bands was £9,887. 

22% of people avoided applying for jobs with only a pay range listed.

Estate agents had the widest advertised salary bands at £43,274, law at £30,103, and insurance at £20,921. 

Estate agency earnings were commission-driven, law salaries varied by firm and practice area, and insurance pay ranged from entry-level roles to technical specialists.

Customer services had the smallest pay bands at £1,660, apprenticeships at £1,783, and retail at £2,461.

Chris Britton, people experience director at Reward Gateway | Edenred, said: “It’s surprising that nearly one in five job ads still promote basic legal entitlements as perks and that salary transparency remains limited, with 30% of adverts providing no pay information. 

“However, improving transparency is vital to helping both employers and employees. 

“It enables candidates to make informed career decisions, while helping businesses attract and retain top talent.”

Britton added: “Businesses should prioritise delivering meaningful benefits that support financial, physical, and emotional well-being, rather than repackaging minimal offerings to make roles appear more attractive.”