# Burnham's salary plan risks job cuts

> UK's PM proposes salary transparency in job ads, but experts warn it could slash employment.
- Title: Burnham's salary plan risks job cuts · MoneyWeek | Shortify
- Summary: UK's PM proposes salary transparency in job ads, but experts warn it could slash employment.
- Keywords: salary transparency, job ads, andrew burnham, equality and human rights commission, living wage, wage compression, MoneyWeek
- Source: MoneyWeek — https://moneyweek.com/economy/uk-economy/salaries-in-job-ads-burnhams-latest-wheeze-will-kill-jobs
- Published: 2026-11-14T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: salary transparency, job ads, andrew burnham, equality and human rights commission, living wage, wage compression
## PM Andy Burnham's salary plan
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham proposes employers must publish exact salaries in every job advertisement.
## Salary transparency plan
The Equality and Human Rights Commission recommends employees gain legal right to know colleagues' earnings.
## Reduced hiring flexibility
Publishing salaries reduces employer flexibility to adjust pay based on candidate quality.
## Lower wages risk
Employers may choose lowest salary to avoid legal issues, potentially reducing overall wages.
## Increased regulation costs
New regulatory body would monitor job ads, send fines, and incur costs for compliance.
## Expanded disclosure requirements
Employers must later disclose holiday, maternity leave, sick days, and diversity targets.
## Living wage impact
Most britains earn living wage, which is 82% of median salary in cities like doncaster.
## Wage compression effect
Wage gaps between jobs like fast food and chip frying are minimal, creating standardised wages.
## Key takeaway

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plan to require salary disclosure in job ads may reduce hiring by forcing employers to publish fixed wages.