DORSET’S global cosmetics brand Lush has the best working culture of any retailer in the UK, according to its staff.

The Poole-based company came second overall in a list of the country’s 15 best shopping businesses to work for.

The nation’s favourite retailer to work for was John Lewis, whose staff are partners in the business.

The table was compiled by recruiter Indeed, which said its team analysed reviews posted on its site by present and past employees.

It said of Lush: “Lush achieved the highest mark in our ranking for its workplace culture. Reviewers frequently praised the company’s ethical values, with one posting: ‘Employees become friends and often feel like family’.

“Others praised the 50 per cent discount offered to staff and the on-the-job training. Many reviewers agreed that employees are expected to work hard – especially those in customer-facing roles – but that the atmosphere and culture make it all worthwhile.”

Indeed added: “It’s a diverse and supportive place to work, with one reviewer concluding: ‘You’re very much encouraged to be yourself and bring your personality to work.’”

Lush was founded in 1995 in the Poole High Street site where its shop still stands. It now has 900 stores in more than 50 countries.

Last year, it announced it was becoming a Living Wage employer, giving lower-paid staff a rise worth up to £2,184. It also doubled parental leave and said it would pay for 20 hours a week of childcare for established staff returning to full-time work.

Lush co-founder and managing director Mark Constantine said: “It’s always so flattering to be considered in this way.”

John Lewis’s top place in the table coincided with the news that the bonus paid to staff at John Lewis and Waitrose had been cut for the fifth year in a row after pre-tax profits fell by 21.9 per cent.

Indeed said: “Unlike most companies, John Lewis employees are invited to become partners in the business. This means they get a share of the profits, but also that they feel empowered and motivated.”

It added: “The partnership is a big part of John Lewis’s attraction as an employer.”

Ikea came third in the table of retailers, with Marks & Spencer fourth and Clarks fifth.

The rest of the 15 were: Pandora Jewelry, Harrods, Game, Waitrose, the Body Shop, the TJX Companies, Gap, Argos, Post Office Ltd, and Sainsbury’s.