LONDON, October 31, 2007  –  Stonewall has launched the third edition of Starting Out, Britain’s only national lesbian and gay recruitment guide.  Designed for discerning graduates and job-seekers, it’s targeted at the 150,000 lesbian and gay students in Britain. 

“Increasingly, young gay and lesbian graduate recruits want to choose employers who will support and welcome them,” said Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive.

“Starting Out provides a must-have guide to more than 250 workplaces determined to attract the very best talent in 2007, regardless of background.  In an increasingly competitive recruitment market, employers are understandably keen to demonstrate that they connect with all their potential recruits.”

20,000 hard copies of Starting Out, sponsored by Credit Suisse, are being distributed to Student Unions, University Careers Services, Employment Agencies and University Lesbian and Gay Societies across Britain. The guide is also available online.

Anita Harper, EMEA co-head of diversity and inclusion at Credit Suisse, said she was delighted at the partnership.

“Credit Suisse has a strong Diversity and Inclusion programme and actively fosters a positive working environment for its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender staff,” she pointed out.

A launch event, attended by students from across Britain and also supported by Credit Suisse, was held at the University of London Union (ULU).

Jennifer Huseman, ULU president, said: “Starting Out showcases those employers who work hard to develop and maintain a culture in which differing abilities and backgrounds are fostered and valued in the workplace.  Equality is at the heart of many of our campaigns and we welcome the chance to work alongside organisations such as Stonewall.”

David Shields, director of workplace programmes at Stonewall said the group was “very pleased indeed” that so many employers are promoting themselves and their diversity programmes.

“Employers featured in Starting Out know that promoting themselves to the best and brightest graduates demonstrates leadership and helps them stay ahead of the game,” he said.

New entries in this year’s guide include those from Channel 4, Allen & Overy, Deloitte & Touche, the Royal Air Force, Westminster City Council and the Charity Commission.

Fleur Bothwick, director of diversity and inclusiveness at Ernst and Young LLP, one of the 254 major employers featured in Starting Out, said that Starting Out has impact “and has to be the most professional and informative way to engage with gay and lesbian students”.

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Posted: 31 October 2007 at 22:00 (UK time)