A relatively new concept to help firms tap a wider pool of senior female talent is starting to gain traction in European financial services - but remains largely unknown by many of the workers who could benefit.

Returnships give individuals who have taken long career breaks a path back into the industry - these are mainly taken up by women. But according to Financial News' Women in Finance Survey, 85% of respondents working in European financial services said their firm either did not offer a returnship programme, or they were unaware of one being available.