For lesbian and gay people starting out in their careers, there’s never been a better time to be openly gay.
Just a few years ago, the climate was quite different. In 2005 - the first year of Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index - six of the Top 100 employers in the Index wished to remain anonymous rather than be associated with a ‘gay index’. Happily, in 2008 this is unthinkable. In fact, the contrary is true - we now see employers competing fiercely with each other to be included in the Index. Furthermore, their PR departments are more keen than ever to promote their ranking in our listing of Britain’s top employers for gay staff.
Coming such a long way in such a short space of time is remarkable. The momentum’s still rolling - with many employers going much further than their statutory obligations to equality and diversity. One example is that 95 per cent of Stonewall’s Top 100 gay-friendly employers this year have established a network group to support lesbian and gay staff. This is evidence that progress is being made in practice and not just on paper. Stonewall is delighted to see things improving at such a rapid rate for the 1.7 million people in the UK’s gay workforce.
In 2008, Stonewall is proud to be sending a clear message to employers across Britain: people perform better at work when they can be themselves. Stonewall’s Workplace Team is delighted to be working with organisations who understand this and are making their workplaces free from discrimination.
The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index has become the most influential tool used by the lesbian and gay workforce when making employment decisions. We wish you every success with yours.
Ben Summerskill
Chief Executive, Stonewall
www.stonewall.org.uk
