ONE OF Oxford's best-known employers scooped the top prize for employee wellbeing at the 2016 Responsible Business Awards this week.

Manufacturing and logistics giant the Unipart Group was named the winner of the 'Wellbeing at work' award at a ceremony in London on Monday.

The firm, which employs about 3,500 people including 700 in Oxford, was recognised for its 'WorkWell' programme supporting employees to lead healthier lives.

As part of the scheme health checks, gym sessions, stress workshops, mental health awareness training, stop smoking clinics and a 24-hour helpline have been provided.

More than a quarter of all Unipart employees have taken part in one of the WorkWell events, with an estimated saving of £330,000 made through reduced absence.

The Responsible Business Awards were hosted by outreach charity Business in the Community, which encourages corporate responsibility across all sectors.

Beth Robotham, the head of business development at Bupa who chaired the judging panel, said: "Unipart’s entry is a fantastic example of how investing in health and wellbeing has a meaningful impact when aligned to the existing culture of the business.

"The framework of their multi-faceted, practical and people-led strategy can be applied in many other business environments and their results are inspiring for those who want to start their own journey in this space.”