Local Government and other public sector agencies are among the best employers for gay workers, according to a new equality index.
Five councils, five police forces, three Government agencies and two Whitehall departments dominated the top 20 places on Stonewall’s annual Workplace Equality Index.| "I’m very proud that Britain’s top gay pressure group continues to rate us so highly. Our commitment to equal treatment for all our communities can also now be seen in the new city-wide equalities charter for statutory agencies that we’ve helped put together." Dee Simson, cabinet member for community affairs, Brighton & Hove City Council |
The police have made the most significant progress in the public sector; another six forces earned places in the top 50.
Consultancy and accounting firm Ernst & Young, which advises both local and central government, wons the award for employee network group.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, said: 'We received more entries than any previous year from employers who understand and have benefited from Stonewall’s research which found that gay people are far more likely to buy goods or services from companies they know are gay-friendly.
The index is a powerful tool used by Britain's 1.7m gay employees and 150,000 gay university students to decide where to take their talent and skills.'
Brighton & Hove City Council staff forum was recognised by Stonewall as a ‘Star Network Group’ – in recognition of the work it does towards workplace equality.
Cabinet councillor for community affairs, Dee Simson, said: ‘I’m very proud that Britain’s top gay pressure group continues to rate us so highly. Our commitment to equal treatment for all our communities can also now be seen in the new city-wide equalities charter for statutory agencies that we’ve helped put together.’
