Punch is '21st best big firm to work for'

Punch Taverns has been named as the UK's 21st best big company to work for by the Sunday Times.

Punch employees were surveyed anonymously for the company's workplace practices across a range of subjects including My Manager, My Company, My Team, Well Being, Personal Growth and Leadership.

The response rate from staff to the survey was 78.9%, against the average of 48.9% for a company of its size.

Punch group HR director Karen Caddick said: "We're extremely proud and I'd like to thank all of our employees for their continued dedication and commitment.

"Despite what has been a challenging time for the pub industry and for Punch over the last couple of years, we have retained a team of talented, highly engaged and motivated employees. It's a huge achievement."

Punch said its own survey of more than 10,000 employees last year found 91% were clear on the company's goals, 94% prepared to work hard for the company and 80% satisfied with their jobs.

Caddick added: "We have been extremely proactive to address the key areas of focus that emerged from both the Sunday Times survey and our own engagement survey, placing huge emphasis on fostering talent at all levels of our business.

"We've mapped out a distinct career pathway so all of our employees can see a viable route to progress to the next level or perhaps move into a different area of the business."

Punch said more than 200 of its employees have participated in its apprenticeships scheme and has been piloting the BII's qualification for business relationship managers.