Raise a glass for equality

DRINKS giant Diageo has been named the best UK company for gender equality, including pay and family leave.

Advertising firm WPP, finance companies Standard Chartered and Investec, Marks & Spencer and Whitbread were also included in a list of employers ranked high for issues such as leadership, career development and work-life balance for staff.

Some UK firms were named as having no gender pay gap, including the Royal Mail, Ocado, Rentokil and Taylor Wimpey.

Diana van Maasdijk of Equileap, which promotes gender equality, said its study showed firms setting a blueprint for others to follow.