LAW firm Pinsent Masons has been named the most inclusive employer in the UK by lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity Stonewall in its Top 100 Employers list for 2019.
And in their deliberations, judges cited the prominent role played by the firm's Belfast office in the #Business4LoveEquality campaign for equal marriage in Northern Ireland, with both head of office Andrea McIlroy-Rose and employment partner Paul Gillen appearing as advocates in media outlets.
The Top 100 is the UK’s leading ranking of employers from across the public, private and third sectors assessing workplace inclusivity.
Other Northern Ireland high achievers in this year’s list included Citi at nine (they were eighth in 2018) and Baker McKenzie at 10 (sixth last time). Allen & Overy also made the Top 100, climbing an impressive 54 positions to rank at 37th.
Pinsent Masons - who topped the 2019 list after having come second last year - was the first in the legal sector to engage with Stonewall and feature in the charity’s annual review when it launched in 2008.
The firm has been commended for its range of inclusive policies and practices for lesbian, gay and bi staff, including the introduction of specific trans-inclusive employee training to create a welcoming environment for trans colleagues, clients and visitors.
Paul Gillen said: “As a firm, we can be proud of this recognition, and in Belfast we are undoubtedly pleased to have played a role in this effort. But our role in the campaign #Business4LoveEquality goes on, as the full rights and freedoms of LGBT people in the region remain as yet unfulfilled.
"The business case for marriage equality is compelling, both in terms of retaining and attracting talent, and also to send out a message to international investors that Northern Ireland is a modern, outward looking economy, with a progressive attitude on personal freedoms and rights.”
Last year, Stonewall research showed more than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden they are LGBT at work and almost one in five LGBT employees (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments from colleagues because of their identity.
Darren Towers, Stonewall’s executive director, said: "LGBT-inclusive employers play a crucial role in changing society by using their power and influence to proudly support LGBT people in their organisations, and Pinsent Masons is leading the way in championing equality in the workplace.
"Whether as senior leaders, managers or colleagues, we all have a part to play in making sure that our workplaces and communities are places that accept and support LGBT people, without exception."
