Contractor Gleeson is the best construction firm to work for in the UK, according to a survey of the country's top 100 companies.
The annual survey, compiled by The Sunday Times, placed the Surrey-based firm 19th in its list and praised the "family ethos that sets it apart" in the "male-dominated and macho" construction industry.

Gleeson executive chairman Dermot Gleeson said company employees appreciated the freedom they were given to get on with their jobs.

He said: "While we keep all our business units accountable in financial terms, we give them a high level of freedom in operational terms. That makes a huge difference to morale."

The survey talked to 50,000 employees nationwide, asking how content they were with their workplace.

Fit-out specialist Interior came in at 27 and consultant engineer Arup at 37. Other sector firms in the top 100 included project manager Mace (48) and housebuilders London & Quadrant (29), Westbury (74), Lindum Group (52) and Countryside Properties (98).

n Five construction sector firms were in the 50 best small companies to work for. These were: The Ridings Housing Association (9), Irwell Valley Housing Association (17), Developer Urban Splash (18), consultant BPTW (42) and construction consultant Baily Garner (48).