Gay lobby group Stonewall has rated IBM top of a poll of gay-friendly employers in Britain.

The survey indexed a host of measures including how they engage with gay customers, commitment to diversity training, monitoring of staff sexual orientation, support for gay staff, and the presence of openly gay, bisexual or lesbian board members.

IBM UK general country manager Larry Hirst said: "To be recognised by Stonewall as the leading UK employer for workplace equality is a source of tremendous pride." In the US, sexuality rights group the Human Rights Campaign has given IBM its top score for gay-friendliness since 2003.

IBM beat competition from last year's winners Staffordshire Police to claim the prize. The Greater London Authority and Manchester City Council were tied for third.

Time Warner was the only media firm to place in the top 100. The Sun is said to be outraged. ®

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