The UK'S first job fair for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is to take place in Brighton and Hove next week.

It aims to celebrate the contribution made to the city by its LGBT community of more than 30,000 people and help companies employ them.

Persia West, of A Place at the Table, the organisation running the event, said it would be an ideal chance for businesses to find good members of staff.

She said prejudices about people's sexual orientation were becoming a thing of the past as employers looked to widen their recruitment pool.

So far, American Express, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Marks & Spencer, Sussex Police and the University of Sussex have signed up for the event.

Ms West said: "These are organisations that want to do something, to walk their talk about diversity and inclusion.

"The tide has turned and the welcome mat is out.

"It is recognised by these leading-edge employers, in a time of skills shortage and a changing world, diversity makes good business sense."

Liz Burchett, equality and diversity officer at the University of Sussex, said: "This will be an occasion to promote the university's approach to equality and diversity and attract high-calibre staff."

Lisa Timerick, Sussex Police's LGBT community liaison officer, said: "I think it is important we have officers who reflect the make-up of society and that includes the LGBT community.

"One of the big things for us was marching at the Pride event.

"It is hugely important to us we are seen not just as police officers but as members of the community as a whole."

The fair also has the support of Brighton and Hove City Council, Jobcentre Plus, Spectrum, Stonewall, the Clare Project and the Gender Trust.

Most members of the city's LGBT community are believed to have above-average education and work skills.

In December laws came into effect which made it illegal for an employer to discriminate because of a worker's sexuality.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Job Fair takes place at Hove Town Hall on Wednesday, September 8, from 11am to 7pm.

There are still a couple of stands available. For further information and a booking form, email info@aplaceatthetable.co.uk or phone 01273 243862 or 725312.

Friday September 03, 2004