AN INDEPENDENT pub group that owns three popular Oxfordshire boozers has been praised for how it treats its staff.

For a fourth year running Oakman Inns, which owns The Crown & Thistle in Abingdon, Old Post Office in Wallingford and The Blue Boar in Witney has been awarded a Three Star accreditation in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2019.

It came 25th in the list of best mid size companies to work for in the country.

See inside the Oxfordshire brewery that makes 'the best beer in Oxford'

The Three Star award signifies 'extraordinary levels of workplace engagement' and follows an anonymous survey, that allows employees to 'accurately and honestly' reveal their views on their work.

The organisers then analyse the information and generate a result reflecting the overall level of employee satisfaction.

Oxford Mail: Oakman Inns' Ops Director Alex Ford & HR Director Jill Scatchard celebrate at Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For 2019Oakman Inns' Ops Director Alex Ford & HR Director Jill Scatchard celebrate at Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For 2019

According to Oakman Inns’ results, under the heading of personal growth, 84 per cent of staff agreed with the statement: “The experience I gain from this job is valuable for my future”.

Meanwhile, 89 per cent of staff agreed with the statement, “My organisation encourages charitable activities."

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Oakman Inns’ HR director, Jill Scatchard, said: “In the context of the hospitality industry, Oakman believes that it is vital that both front and back of house staff feel connected to each other and to Oakman’s aims and ethos.

"The teams’ belief in a shared purpose and the recognition of the important part that each member plays in fulfilling it – their engagement - means that our people are always prepared to go that extra mile for our customers.

"I am delighted that their work and dedication has resulted in this rewarding accolade.”