The Top Employers Institute (TEI) paused applications during the pandemic, but Wetherspoon’s run of recognition stretches back across all eligible years and includes listings in 2025, 2024 and 2023.
To achieve certification, participating employers undergo the TEI’s HR best practices survey, which assesses six HR domains and 20 topics across the employee lifecycle, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, wellbeing and diversity and inclusion. All information is independently validated and audited.
‘Extremely proud’
People director Tom Ball said: “We are extremely proud to be considered among the best employers in the United Kingdom, particularly as the recognition comes from an independent organisation, which researches numerous companies.
“The company employs more than 42,000 staff across its pubs in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, as well as at its head office.
“It is committed to offering employees the best opportunities to succeed and grow within the company, including studying for qualifications and apprenticeships.
“This is evident in the number of staff progressing to more senior positions at Wetherspoon.”
The latest accreditation follows Wetherspoon’s publication of updated workforce data in October last year, which highlighted long tenure across the group.
The company reported an average length of service of 15 years and four months for pub managers and 11 years and five months for kitchen managers. 31 employees have worked for the business for more than 30 years, 715 for more than 20 years, 4,393 for more than 10 years and 11,041 for more than five years.
The accreditation follows last week’s news that the group appointed John Herring as a non executive director, marking a return to the business more than a decade after he last served on its board.