Over 60 recruitment agencies have signed up to the UK's first online gay and lesbian job database.

Job Search, which is being hosted by sister networking sites Circa and Velvet, is being marketed as the UK's first comprehensive online gay and lesbian job database and website.

Patricia Madden, Circa and Velvet founder, said the board will revolutionise the way the UK's 1.6m gay and lesbian employees track down gay-friendly employers.

Madden told Recruiter: "Circa and Velvet are social and business networks for gay professional men and women. The new addition, Job Search, will attract employers who want to be seen as gay-friendly.

"We know all UK employers should now, by law, welcome gay and lesbian employees. We also know — from cases reported in the media — that not all do. Job Search provides gay and lesbian professionals with a useful reassurance."

The service, which holds 2,000 job opportunities so far, is free for the jobseeker. An interactive portal allows candidates to sift using seven search criteria, including specific recruiters, employers, industry sectors and contract types.

Subscribing recruiters and employers receive monthly e-newsletters and a UK gay/lesbian calendar of events. Visit www.circa-club.com/jobs and www.velvet-club.com/jobs.