Stonewall, the LGBT equality charity has announced its Top Global Employers for 2017.
Accenture, Barclays, and Thomson Reuters are amongst the top global employers. The list celebrates the pioneering efforts of leading organisations to create inclusive workplaces and advances equality for LGBT people wherever they are in the world.
The Top Global Employers for 2017 are:
- Accenture
- Baker & McKenzie
- Barclays
- BP plc
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
- Herbert Smith Freehills
- HSBC
- Pinsent Masons
- RBS
- Simmons & Simmons
- Thomson Reuters
- Vodafone
The list is compiled from submissions to the Global Workplace Equality Index (GWEI), used by employers to create inclusive workplaces across the markets in which they operate.
The Top Global Employers awards will be presented in a prestigious ceremony this evening, with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson presenting the accolades.
Johnson said, “It’s an honour to join Stonewall in recognising the efforts and achievements of these top global businesses which have done so much to increase equality for LGBT people across the world.”
“We have a proud history in the UK of championing LGBT rights and equality and civil society and businesses have played a key role in helping us become a diverse and welcoming country.”
“We also know that the most cosmopolitan societies attract the best talent from every corner of the world, which is good for business and for economic growth.”
“When civil society and businesses work together in the spirit of genuine partnership they can bring real benefits to the communities they serve.”
Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive, Stonewall said, “LGBT people face discrimination, violence and isolation in every country in the world.”
“Consensual same-sex activity remains illegal in 72 countries, and is punishable by death in eight.”
“In more than half the world, LGBT people may not be protected from discrimination by workplace law.”
“That makes this ongoing work all the more important, and is why we are so proud to continue working alongside our Top Global Employers, and the FCO, to ensure that LGBT people can be protected and feel welcome at work, wherever they are.”