IBM has been named as the UK’s most gay-friendly employer in an annual survey by gay rights charity Stonewall.

IBM was found to have done the most to put an effective equality strategy in place and to engage with gay staff. The survey assessed employers’ policies on workplace equality, their record on recruitment and their attitudes to customers.

Staffordshire Police, the Greater London Authority, Manchester City Council and Lloyds TSB were also commended for their approach.

“The business case for addressing effective recruitment and retention of lesbian and gay staff is increasingly persuasive,” says Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill.