Stonewall's Top 100 Employers 2009, published today, showcases the best places in the UK for gay and lesbian employees to work.
Stonewall, which campaigns for equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, gave The Home Office the award for employee network group of the year and law firm Simmons & Simmons was recognised as most improved employer.
Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall said: "This was our most competitive index to date. We received more entries than ever before from employers who have taken heed of Stonewall research, which this year found people are more likely to buy goods or services from companies they know are gay-friendly.
"The index is a powerful tool used by Britain's 1.7 million gay employees and 150,000 gay university students to decide where to take their talent and skills."
Eric Daniels, group chief executive at Lloyds TSB, added: "Our recent research has confirmed our internal culture has improved since the introduction of our sexual orientation strategy."
But, he added: "I believe with the first place in Stonewall's Top 100 Employers comes a responsibility. Lloyds TSB is in a position to help influence the lesbian, gay and bisexual equality agenda nationally."
Lloyds TSB tops gay employer list
Lloyds TSB has been found to be the most gay-friendly employer in the UK, followed by Hampshire Constabulary and Brighton and Hove City Council.
