Shropshire County Council has joined the Royal Navy, IBM and Ford in the list of Britain’s top 100 gay-friendly employers.The 2007 Workplace Equality Index – organised by the gay rights charity, Stonewall – lists the leading 100 employers in Britain for lesbian and gay people based on a survey covering how well employers put their equality policies into practice.

The county council was ranked 80th overall in the list, which was topped by IBM, and was also rated one of the top 10 most-improved employers over the last 12 months.

Mike Owen, cabinet member for community well-being, said: “Shropshire County Council is proud to have made the top 100 in the index.

“This shows our commitment to treating everyone fairly, openly and honestly, and to ensuring we have a diverse, well-motivated workforce which continues to provide excellent services to the people of Shropshire.”

Peter Roscoe, secretary of the council’s group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff, said: “There is still some way to go, but this is great news and will help to reduce prejudice.

“It reflects the common sense of Shropshire people.

“In achieving and sustaining good policy and practice that supports LGBT people, the council’s services will better meet and include the needs of all.”

The council group was set up in late 2005 in response to a number of changes in the law, such as lesbians and gays being guaranteed equal treatment with other staff at work, and the repeal of the controversial Section 28 of the Local Government Act which forbade the promotion of homosexuality by councils.

Mr Roscoe, a Shirehall solicitor, said the formation of the group had been a very supportive and positive step for the authority to take.

Chief executive Carolyn Downs had made it very clear that she supported the move. The council also made sure that the terms and conditions of service for all staff were the same and publicised its anti-discrimination policies.

“When you apply for a job at the county council, it is made clear on the application form that they welcome all people, including lesbians and gays,” said Mr Roscoe.

By Dave Morris