IBM named as most gay-friendly employer

Gay rights organisation, Stonewall, has today published its Top 100 Employers 2010, showcasing Britain's best employers for gay staff.

It names IBM as the best place to work in 2010 for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. In second place is Hampshire Constabulary and Ernst & Young comes third. Ernst & Young wins the award for Employee Network Group of the Year and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is named Most Improved Employer.

The Index is based on a range of key indicators and this year included the largest ever survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, with over 7,000 participants. Stonewall reports that 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.

This is the second time in four years that IBM has been named the most gay-friendly employer.

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, commented:

“Competition was fiercer than ever to secure a place on the 2010 Top Employers List. 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 1.7 million gay employees and 150,000 gay university students to decide where to take their talent and skills.”

Brendon Riley, Chief Executive Officer at IBM UK & Ireland said:

“IBM is extremely proud to accept this important accolade. In 2009 we celebrated the 25th anniversary of IBM’s global LGB non-discrimination policy – but we’re constantly looking for new ways to enrich and broaden the scope of what we can achieve. 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, Chief Executive, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said:

“Nottinghamshire Healthcare is delighted to receive this award. 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. We believe that our participation in the Workplace Equality Index will be of real benefit to our staff and the people who use our services.”

Cameron Cartnell of Ernst & Young said:

“I am thrilled that EYGLES has been awarded Employee Network Group of the Year. It’s wonderful to work for a firm where I can be myself and EYGLES has been a key part in achieving this. I’ve been particularly impressed with the way EYGLES has influenced the broader diversity and inclusiveness agenda at Ernst & Young.”