The Financial Services Union is calling for industry comment on new gender equity standards, which aim to even out the playing field for women – at least as far as salaries are concerned.

Although the sector is often described as a male-dominated bastion, new draft standards are now available for comment on providing women greater equity in job valuations.

FSU National Secretary Leon Carter says there is a large gender gap in the financial services sector, as many jobs held predominantly by women are undervalued.

While the draft standards will be voluntary for organisations, the FSU is urging companies to implement the changes once finalised in a bid to close the gender pay gap.

The draft standards recommend organisations apply remuneration calculations to the individuals’ job responsibilities rather than basing them on gender.

The union is also urging the financial service industry to comment on the proposed standards before submissions close on September 12.