EU Salary Transparency: What Employers Must Reveal Before Hiring

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When a person or team looks at a potential job offer, they want to know as many details as possible before submitting an application. Among the usual factors that catch the eye, there’s often something critical that can be overlooked. Recent European Union legislation now requires employers to disclose comprehensive contract details in all staff selection processes.

This change will affect every company operating within the 27 EU member states. The transition period runs through June 2026. From that date forward, employers must clearly state all terms of the contract, including the most debated item. Job seekers are welcoming this move; many believe it is essential information before committing to an offer. A survey by Information Affairs found that roughly nine out of ten people think this requirement should be included in job postings.

Even before this becomes mandatory in June 2026, many stakeholders advocate starting to integrate full contract details into hiring conversations and interviews. The EU’s aim is to foster full transparency in recruitment, which is especially important for individuals evaluating a new role.

Know how much you’ll earn before the final decision

In May of this year, the EU approved a salary transparency framework. Employers will need to include wage information, what the eventual employee will actually receive, and other compensation details. Although Directive 2023/970 took effect earlier this year, not all governments are required to implement it until June 7, 2026. During this transition, organizations must align with regulations that apply to:

  • All workers who hold an employment contract or a formal employment relationship.
  • People applying for jobs.
  • Public and private sector employees.

The EU aims to strengthen the principle of equal pay for the same work, regardless of gender, and to reduce the gender pay gap. EU data shows that in 2020, men earned about 13 percent more than women for the same role. Addressing wage transparency is part of Brussels’s broader effort to close this gap. The Council believes including salary information in job offers will encourage fair competition and help candidates make informed decisions.

Workers welcome the change

Most job seekers say salary is a key factor, but it’s not the only consideration. Working conditions, working hours, location, and team culture all influence the choice to join a company. The disclosure requirements should be reasonable and accurate and must align with the position’s profile and responsibilities.

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InfoJobs recently surveyed its users, and about nine out of ten subscribers support the salary transparency law. Companies are encouraged to show transparency in their hiring practices, as trust in business processes is increasingly valued by candidates.

Citation: The EU directive 2023/970 and related regulatory guidance outline these expectations and the phased implementation timeline across member states. These details shape how organizations prepare for compliant hiring in the coming years.

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