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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

Revealed: Britain's top 15 retailers, as ranked by their employees

John Lewis is the best retailer to work for in the UK, according to data released today by the world’s largest job site Indeed.

  • John Lewis triumphs as the best retailer to work for in the UK
  • Ranking of retail employers is based on thousands of staff reviews posted on the world’s largest job site, Indeed1
  • Retailers offering career progression, flexible working and perks dominate as workers award high scores to jobs with meaning, not just money

John Lewis is the best retailer to work for in the UK, according to data released today by the world’s largest job site Indeed.

The department store came top of a ranking of the UK’s best retail employers that was compiled from thousands of UK employee reviews. As Britain’s best-known partnership, John Lewis famously invites staff to become Partners and offers them a share of the profits.

British-based companies dominate the list, accounting for 11 of the 15 most popular retail employers. Good rates of pay were a common theme among the most favoured companies; third-placed IKEA was the first large retailer to commit to paying the Living Wage or more to all staff.

Second-placed Lush Cosmetics also pays at least the Living Wage to all retail staff, and scored highly for its ethical stance, flexible work hours and 50% staff discount.

Meanwhile staff at seventh-placed Harrods praised the luxury store for its workplace environment and company culture, showing the value employees put on non-financial rewards.

Table: Best retailers to work for in the UK

Based on reviews submitted by visitors to Indeed, January 2017 - January 2018.

Kevin Walker, Senior Director of Employer Insights at global job site Indeed, comments: “While the need to earn a salary is the imperative that makes us go to work, people judge their job on more than just money.

"The jobs market is tight and there’s stiff competition for the best talent - that’s why good brands all offer their employees a range of benefits and flexible working. Our research shows great brands are the ones whose staff feel valued, well managed - and part of a positive company culture.

“Britain’s retail employees have spoken. Having fun, feeling like you’re having an impact and seeing that impact extend beyond the company to the world - those are the things that make a workplace really special.”

John Lewis Director of Personnel, Libby Jones, said: "Attracting top talent to join us is integral to our success. It’s wonderful to know that potential new partners are taking the time to find out more about the opportunities at John Lewis on Indeed.com and also that our current Partners have ranked John Lewis so highly on the site.”


1 18m global Company Reviews on Indeed.

Table: Best retailers to work for in the UK

Based on reviews submitted by visitors to Indeed, January 2017 - January 2018.

Ranking

Company

Reviews

Available jobs

1

John Lewis

247

74

2

Lush Cosmetics

91

20

3

IKEA

121

50

4

Marks & Spencer

786

110

5

Clarks

141

429

6

Pandora Jewellery

51

17

7

Harrods

65

146

8

GAME

73

24

9

Waitrose

319

82

10

The Body Shop

59

329

11

TK Maxx

178

14

12

Gap

54

224

13

Argos

343

151

14

Post Office

70

44

15

Sainsbury’s

1,393

369