Express delivery giant TNT has been recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK.

TNT features in a line up of the finest employers in a new book that highlights best practice in human resources management.

The book, entitled 'Britain's Top Employers 2009', published this month, was compiled after months of fact-finding and assessments by global independent research experts, the Corporate Research Foundation.

TNT ranks alongside some of the leading brands in Britain's business world including household names such as GlaxoSmithKline, John Lewis Partnership, Pret A Manger, McDonald's and IBM.

Tom Bell, Managing Director, TNT Express Services UK & Ireland, said: "Our inclusion in this book is independent recognition of our forward-thinking, innovative approach in all that we do.

"It's not just me saying we're a great company - I just look around every day and see the amount of people who have worked here for many many years. That speaks volumes."  

The authors of the book describe the company as:  "a market-leading secure employer with a track record of respecting and empowering its employees."

The book is also quick to acknowledge how employees view TNT. It continues: "Employees certainly believe it's a good place to work and don't want to leave. The company has over 450 employees who've worked there for more than 25 years. In 2008, 90 people reached this milestone."

Following rigorous assessment the Corporate Research Foundation's judging panel rated each company on five defined categories: pay and benefits; training development; career development; working conditions and company culture.

Director of HR at TNT, Sue Barnes, added: "I am absolutely delighted we have received such independent recognition. It's our people who make the business what it is today.  They are and always will be our most valuable asset and it is through their skills, talent and enthusiasm we are able to achieve all that we do.  We aim to provide a great place to work, with development and career opportunities enabling people to maximise their potential."

In the past 12 months, TNT has chalked up a number of 'firsts' including winning its 26th Motor Transport award - the 'Oscars' of the industry and the most won by any UK company.

Last year, TNT launched the world's largest fleet of zero emission, electric delivery vehicles as part of its drive to reduce its carbon footprint. Up to 100 of the environmentally-friendly vehicles will operate in 22 towns and cities throughout Britain as TNT continues the fleet rollout programme.
 
Another source of employee pride is the company's high profile approach to Corporate Responsibility under which TNT is well on the way to raising more than £2.5 million for the children's charity Wooden Spoon, helping provide a better quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged children in the UK. TNT's charitable nature extends overseas with UK employees raising money for the United Nation's World Food Programme, as well as highlighting the need to fight global hunger.