IBM has been named the most gay-friendly employer in the UK for the second time in four years.
The index of the top 100 gay-friendly companies, compiled by the campaign group Stonewall, found the technology company was the best place to work in the country for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
Hampshire Constabulary came second in the list, closely followed by professional services firm Ernst & Young.
Ernst & Young was also named Employee Network Group of the Year while Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust was awarded Most Improved Employer.
In total five police forces were listed among the top 20 gay-friendly employers in the UK.
The index was based on a range of key indicators which this year included the largest ever survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, with more than 7,000 participants.
Gay staff working at the top 25 workplaces reported a satisfaction level almost 10% higher than workplaces outside the Top 100. Staff were also more likely to disclose their sexual orientation in monitoring exercises at the highest ranking organisations.
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Brendon Riley, chief executive officer at IBM UK & Ireland, said: “At IBM, we pride ourselves on delivering a working environment which reflects equality of opportunity and experience for all. Diversity constitutes our character, our identity and ultimately our success – it is in our DNA.”
Mike Cooke, the chief executive of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “It reflects the commitment and hard work of our staff, service users and carers in championing a culture of fairness; where equality and diversity are central to everything we do.”
