The annual Workplace Equality Index showcasing the UK’s top 100 employers for gay people has been published.

Top of the list is IBM, beating last year’s winner, Staffordshire Police, into second place. Manchester City Council and The Greater London Authority were named joint third in the report by gay employment rights campaign group Stonewall.

It also named Lloyds TSB as the most improved employer and Manchester City Council as network group of the year.

Employers were ranked according to criteria ranging from implementation of an effective equality policy to demonstrating how they engage with their lesbian and gay staff and customers and service users. The Index assesses actual practice, such as recruitment and mentoring activity, as well as just policy.

Country General Manager at IBM, Larry Hirst, said: "To be recognised by Stonewall as the leading UK employer for workplace equality is a source of tremendous pride. I’m convinced that the principles of diversity, inclusion and equality must sit at the heart of any truly modern, successful and confident organisation."

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: "A pink plateau still exists in too much of the British workplace. The business case for addressing effective recruitment and retention of lesbian and gay staff is increasingly persuasive. This work isn't just about fair treatment, it's about establishing competitive advantage in the labour market. Happily this year there's excellence in every sector from which other employers across Britain can learn".

Rounding out the top ten are Nacro, Lloyds TSB, Brighton & Hove City Council, Goldman Sachs, KPMG and Transport for London.