CARMARTHENSHIRE ONE OF TOP EMPLOYERS FOR LGBT STAFF

Carmarthenshire County Council is one of the 12 top employers in Wales for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.

Stonewall has announced the results of the Workplace Equality Index, and the authority is placed at number 11 in Wales.

The results followed a nationwide staff survey which received over 60,000 responses.

The index lists the best employers for promoting a fair and equitable workplace and community participation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Carmarthenshire County Council has been a member for four years and has taken steps to promote Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

Executive Board Member for Human Resources Cllr Mair Stephens said: “It’s pleasing to see that we rank so highly in Wales in the Stonewall Index, we aim to create the right kind of environment where all staff are able to give their best, and all are treated with dignity and respect.”

Andrew White, director of Stonewall Cymru said: “Those organisations that are ‘getting it right’ are not only improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff, stakeholders, clients and customers, but are also reaping business benefits.

“We know that people perform better when they can be themselves, and it’s been proven that diversity among staff leads to a more productive, positive and creative workplace environment.

“Stonewall Cymru looks forward to working with all of those organisations and others in the year ahead, to work towards a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff feel equal at work and are accepted without exception.”

• For more information about Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme, visit www.stonewallcymru.org.uk or contact the council through equalities@carmarthenshire.gov.uk