New York City just banned this question from job interviews

How much did your previous employer pay?

The question, for many, is a source of discomfort. After all, if you were underpaid in your previous job, sharing the numbers with a potential employee could prove detrimental to your future salary negotiations.

The New York City Council voted on Wednesday to approve legislation that would prohibit employers from asking job applicants about what they make in their current, or made in their previous jobs.

The ban will take effect in six months, and is aimed at combating pay inequality, which impacts women and black minority ethnic (BME) members of the workforce in particular.

Applicants can however volunteer the information.

Massachusetts and Philadelphia city, as well as Puerto Rico also have similar measures in place.

The ban is city-wide, but may impact across the country as many companies have offices all around the US and are likely to enact those changes.

HT The Washington Post

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