Wednesday 14 January 2015 4:18 am

Stonewall top 100 employers: Finance firms among the UK’s best LGBT employers

Lloyds Banking Group has been named the most inclusive employer in the banking and finance sector, and the third most inclusive employer in the UK, by gay rights organisation Stonewall.

Seven companies in the sector were named in the Workplace Equality Index, including RBS (at number 27) and American Express (at 51).

Insurer Aviva (number 15) was highlighted, while law firms including Baker & McKenzie, in sixth place; Freshfields and Pinsent Masons, at joint ninth place, and Herbert Smith, which along with BP took 22nd place, were also named.

The Workplace Equality Index measures 10 criteria including employee policy, training, career development and community engagement.

Stonewall said more than 50,000 employees took part in its staff feedback exercise, making it one of the UK's largest employment surveys, while 397 employers participated in the Workplace Equality Index, an eight per cent increase from last year.

Ruth Hunt, Stonewall's chief executive, said new criteria meant it is now "harder than ever" to make the top 100.

At Stonewall we know that when lesbian, gay and bisexual employees are able to be themselves at work, their performance improves. They enjoy going to work, are more loyal, more creative and make greater contributions to the organisation. We work with over 700 employers to help them create inclusive workplaces and we’re incredibly proud of the impact you have on the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.