text: Women are undervaluing themselves and asking for less pay than they should – widening the gender pay gap, it is claimed. Research found that women applying for jobs through recruitment agencies remain coy about asking for asking a decent wage package. A study found women routinely ask for £4,000 less for a typical job, but that this widens to up to £10,000 less in more senior industries such as accountancy. Gender gap widening: A study found women routinely ask for £4,000 less for a typical job, but that this widens to up to £10,000 less in more senior industries such as accountancy . On average, women ask for almost a fifth less than men, rising to nearly a third less in some financial sectors. Not only do they ask for less than their male colleagues, but they are also asking for below what they could typically expect to earn in their industry. New research from Reed.co.uk found that female applicants state their ‘anticipated salary’ as £19,900, on average, while men asked for £23,800. Expected salaries varied by industry with women asking for 29 per cent less than men in accountancy, 22 per cent less in banking, 21 per cent less in the energy sector and 18 per cent lower in education. A qualified male accountant expected to earn £47,000 in their next role compared to just £36,400 for women with the same experience. The gender gap narrowed in the manufacturing industry and the legal sector to just 9 per cent. And in the IT and security industry, women actually asked for higher pay, albeit just 2 per cent more – reversing the trend. The findings were released to coincide with Equal Pay Day today, to raise awareness of the gender pay gap. East Anglia and the East Midlands had the largest gender difference in expected salaries, while North West England had the smallest. Lynn Cahillane, of UK jobs website Reed, said: ‘Our latest research shows a major difference in the pay expectations of men and women. ‘Whatever your gender, it’s important to never undervalue your worth at work, so if you’re thinking about looking for a new job. Selling themselves short: East Anglia and the East Midlands had the largest gender difference in expected salaries, while North West England had the smallest, according to the research from Reed.co.uk . ‘If you’re happy in your current job but feel you’re not getting paid enough, then it’s time to take on one of the tougher tasks we all face whilst in employment – negotiating a pay rise.’ The study also showed ‘a stark contrast’ between what women expect to get paid and what’s actually on offer. Using the website’s ‘average salary checker’ tool, Reed.co.uk found many female applicants asked for less than their industry’s average. Women on Boards (WoB) said that female workers were kept in the dark about what their male colleagues were earning, making it hard to know how much to request. Fiona Hathorn, of WoB – which campaigns for more women in the boardroom – said: ‘I think it is unrealistic to suggest that women are expecting less when pay levels are often not transparent in organisations. ‘I believe it is the responsibility of the company, not the employees, to make than men and women are paid same. ‘Research has also shown that women need to be very careful about asking for more money. ‘Stereotypical unconscious biases are alive and kicking in the UK which means that women who ask for pay rises are often negatively treated thereafter, having been viewed as aggressive. ‘Men on the other hand are not only expected but encouraged to challenge pay and opportunities.’
target: Women routinely ask for £4,000 less for a typical job, new research finds .
  This can widen to £10,000 in more senior industries such as accountancy .
  East Anglia and East Midlands had largest  difference in expected salaries .
  Findings released to coincide with Equal Pay Day to show gender pay gap .