Give UK workers right to know colleagues’ pay to prevent disparities, says watchdog

EHRC says we need transparency if workers suspect other staff are being paid more for similar work

Workers should have a legal right to know their colleagues’ pay to help prevent pay discrimination, particularly against women, the UK’s human rights watchdog has said.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) made the recommendation in response to government proposals to overhaul equal pay laws, saying workers deserve a right to transparency if they suspect other staff are being paid more for similar work.

The watchdog also said bosses should be banned from asking about applicants’ existing salaries when recruiting new staff. Companies are currently allowed to request that information, but potential recruits do not have to respond.