The Most Gay Friendly Employers in Britain..

Stonewall, the professional lobbying group for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals has published its annual Workplace Equality Index. The Index highlights the UK's top 100 employers for gay people and assesses actual practice, such as recruitment and mentoring activity.

IBM was named top employer for 2007 closely followed in second place by Staffordshire Police, last year’s winner. The Greater London Authority and Manchester City Council tie for third place. Lloyds TSB was named Most Improved Employer

Larry Hirst, Country General Manager at IBM UK, says: "To be recognised by Stonewall as the leading UK employer for workplace equality is a source of tremendous pride.”

Fiona Cannon, Head of Equality and Diversity at Lloyds TSB says: "Our progress sends a powerful message to our lesbian, gay and bisexual staff and customers about how committed we are to making sure our organisation is fully inclusive”.

The awards were presented at a ceremony and champagne reception at the Wallace Collection in London sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers.