Asking for current salary on application form

So I've been applying for new jobs lately and I've noticed a lot of places ask for current or previous salary details on their application forms. I'm leaving this blank wherever possible (I am applying for jobs on a similar level to my current position so not trying to move up). I don't understand how this information would be constructively used by a potential employer, other than to offer a potentially lower salary than they had originally planned. Wondering if I'm paranoid or can this info actually be beneficial for both prospective employer and employer
Parents
  • In addition to Andriana's point, it's a way of assessing greater meaning behind a person's employment history.

    "Project Officer" roles, by way of just one example, could mean a huge range of things and I know of Project Officers on £21k and Project Officers on £75k and their roles, skills and qualifications are, naturally, very different.

    So seeing the number associated with the job gives the recruiter an idea of whether the applicant is a suitable match.

    Is it accurate? No. But it is a potentially helpful additional data point.
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  • In addition to Andriana's point, it's a way of assessing greater meaning behind a person's employment history.

    "Project Officer" roles, by way of just one example, could mean a huge range of things and I know of Project Officers on £21k and Project Officers on £75k and their roles, skills and qualifications are, naturally, very different.

    So seeing the number associated with the job gives the recruiter an idea of whether the applicant is a suitable match.

    Is it accurate? No. But it is a potentially helpful additional data point.
Children
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