The average gender pay gap in the UK insurance industry is 29% – more than double the average for all companies, according to Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) figures.

The median pay gap is 24%, compared with 12% for all employers.

Women hold 59% of lower-paid roles and only 30% of top-paid roles, the institute says in a policy briefing to promote action on the gap.

However, there is little difference between the number of men and women who receive bonuses.

The pay gap reflects the lower number of women at senior levels, CII says. Overall pay is heavily skewed towards a small number of highly paid men.

CII says the industry must attract more women and help them achieve their full potential. Managers should break down the concept of male and female roles by challenging candidate lists during recruitment, and should encourage women to actively contribute.

Tasks must be allocated on potential, rather than routinely going to men. Women should seek mentors and help developing their careers, the institute says.