Shift workers rate best and worst UK employers for 2023

NATS, formerly the National Air Traffic Service, defence contractor BAE Systems and consumer goods company Unilever have been ranked as the top three employers for shift workers in the UK.

Determined by employee reviews on job comparison site Breakroom, the ranking rates employers on whether they provide a fair wage, provide regular hours with optional flexibility, guarantee proper benefits and create a supportive workplace.

Going into the new year NATS had an average score of 9.1/10.

BAE Systems and Unilever both had a score of 8.9.


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Rounding out the top ten were Hitachi (8.8), RSA Insurance (8.7), TransPennine Express (8.9), Bentley Motors (8.8), Cummins (8.3), Greater Anglia (8.4) and South Western Railway (8.7).

In contrast, the worst-rated places to work going into 2023 were: Comfort Call, Eden Futures, Tim Hortons, Max Spielmann, Bodycare, Poundstretcher, Choice Care, Victoria's Secret, Valorum Care Group and McColls.

Ratings for these employers ranged from 2.8 (Comfort Call) to 3.8 (McColls).

Speaking to HR magazine Anna Maybank, co-founder and CEO of Breakroom, said the breaking of a new year is a good opportunity for employers to consider what job seekers will be looking for.

Maybank said: “As our list of the best and worst places to work shows, workers are putting more importance on benefits in addition to just pay.

“Good notice of shifts, flexible working hours, paid breaks and feeling respected by management are all significant factors that job seekers consider when looking for a good job.”

In retail John Lewis & Partners, Ikea and Lush were the top-rated employers; in hospitality, Five Guys, Nando’s and Prezzo, and in social care Belfast Trust, British Red Cross and Mental Health Care UK.

Maybank added: “With more job competition for staff in the key sectors of retail, hospitality, logistics and social care than ever before, employers must work harder to stand out to attract the next generation of candidates.”

Reviews and ratings of each employer were accurate as of 28 December 2022.