Gay and lesbian job seekers are less likely to be invited for an interview than their heterosexual counterparts, a study has found.

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University claim the results, which found gay applicants are five per cent less likely to be offered a job interview, suggest discrimination is common in both private firms and public sector organisations in the UK.

The study, the first of its kind in the UK, also found that firms which offered gay male candidates an interview paid an average salary less than those who invited heterosexuals. For lesbian women the average salary was 1.4 per cent less.

Study author Nick Drydakis said: “Because of the limited research carried out so far into the experiences of gays and lesbians in the labour market, the disadvantages and discrimination they experience has gone unnoticed and therefore unchallenged.

Discrimination is common in both private firms and public sector organisations in the UK

“Despite measures to encourage openness and discourage discrimination, including the introduction of the Equality Act of 2010, it is evident from my research that gays and lesbians are encountering serious misconceptions and barriers in the job market.

“It is also clear that people who face biased treatment in the hiring process must spend more time and resources finding jobs, and firms lose potential talent as a result of biased hiring.”

The study involved 144 first-time job seekers from 12 student unions across the UK who made a total of 11,098 applications.

Gay men receive the fewest invitations for interviews in traditionally male-dominated occupations such as accounting, banking, finance and management jobs.

Lesbians receive the fewest invitations for interviews in traditionally female-dominated occupations including social care, social services and charity jobs.