Hertfordshire County Council has been recognised as one of the most gay-friendly workplaces in the country, according to a new survey.

The latest Stonewall Workplace Equality Index put the council in the top 60 in its annual index which also included MI5.

Stonewall, a lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, launched the index in 2005.

Companies who made the list were assessed on their employee policies, staff engagement, learning and development support and external and community engagement. Councillor Derrick Ashley, cabinet member for equality and diversity said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a top employer for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Our place on the index acknowledges the hard work the county council puts into its equality policies.

“We are committed to ensuring we remain an employer that both our current staff and future employees really want to work for."