Burnley firm is 15th best employer in country (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley firm is 15th best employer in country

7:34pm Sunday 14th March 2010 in

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BURNLEY’S housing landlord has become a top 20 hit with staff – just in time for its 10th birthday.

Workers at the Croft Street based Calico Homes were among thousands of staff nationwide surveyed as part of an employment attitudes poll in the Sunday Times.

And the results, completed anonymously, showed that the firm, established in March 2000, is the 15th best employer in the land.

The performance is the best recorded in East Lancashire and beats big names like car insurers Admiral, Manchester lawyers Pannones and the Pertemps agencies.

Staff say they feel proud to able to make a difference in people’s lives, dealing with a host of social issues and housing challenges.

And chief executive Michael Birkett, who personally welcomes every new addition to his 300-strong workforce, who look after Burnley and Padiham’s former council housing stock, is also praised.

Judges said of the housing company: "Morale is high at Calico. Employees are excited about where the organisation is going, and profit and budget concerns are clearly not the only things driving the organisation.

"Workers believe they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the association and think the job is good for their personal growth."

Just this year the outfit has been involved in the Future Jobs Fund, creating new opportunities for those struggling to find a foothold in the employment market.

Customer services advisor Susan Land, said: "We can only deliver an excellent service to our customers, and improve on that service, when staff truly believe in what they are doing and are dedicated to their jobs.

"Calico is a very forwarding-thinking company in the way it actively engages staff in company issues and that is why it is a pleasure to work here."

Last month Calico received another filip when it received accreditation from the government-run Best Companies scheme for creating a ‘positive working atmosphere’.

Chief executive Mr Birkett added: "We could not have come such a long way in the last 10 years without the hard work of our staff, and it’s great to see their efforts and commitment recognised in such a prestigious way.

"We’re already looking forward to another 10 years, doing the very best we can to make a difference, providing homes, jobs, training and opportunities for people across the region."