Bury Council recognised as a top ‘gay-friendly’ employer

Bury Council has again been named one of Britain’s top ‘gay-friendly’ employers by professional lobbying group Stonewall.

Bury was the top performing council in the North West and gained particular recognition in the latest Stonewall workplace equality report for its Dignity at Work policy. Stonewall states that the council has “a robust commitment to fostering a workplace culture where all employees are treated with dignity and respect”.

The council is now listed as number 54 in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list which showcases the progress being made in many workplaces towards full equality for Britain’s 1.7 million lesbian, gay and bisexual employees.

As part of its Workplace Equality Index assessment, Stonewall has also recognised the council’s LGBT Employee Group as a Star Performer Network Group. This acknowledges the role of individual employees who participate in the network group, often in their own time, to help make sure the bosses 'get it right' for their staff.

Furthermore, the group has been named North West Employee Group of the Year for all its efforts in tackling homophobia and promoting equality for all lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

The LGBT Employee Group was presented with the NW Network Group of the Year at the Stonewall Awards ceremony on 23 January in Manchester.

Councillor Trevor Holt, the council’s equalities spokesman, said: “This award is very well deserved – the group puts in a lot of hard work and has achieved a great deal.

“This council is committed to eradicating discrimination in all areas, and it is pleasing to see that our efforts and those of our staff are being recognised nationally.”

The council has featured in Stonewall’s Top 100 since 2009. For further information, see http://www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/stonewallwei_2014_aw2a4s.pdf

ENDS

Press release issued: 28 January 2014.