The UK's Sunday Times newspaper has published its ranking of "The 100 Best Companies to Work for 2004," its comprehensive guide to the best employers in Britain. Morgan Stanley maintained its ranking within the top 100.

"Maintaining our position in the top 100 is testament to our ongoing commitment to our employees," said Tamsin Rowe, Director of International Human Resources. "We're especially pleased to be the only investment bank in the ranking at a time when the environment has continued to be particularly challenging to our industry. The results, together with those from our own employee opinion survey last year, will help us to identify where we can continue to make improvements."

Supported by the UK Department of Trade & Industry, the survey profiles the best companies in the UK, ranked on the basis of employee feedback regarding management, working conditions and working culture. The survey shows that the best companies have invested in their people, and are consequently more productive and profitable. Patricia Hewitt, UK Secretary of State for Trade & Industry, commented: "In a tight labour market, being a Sunday Times "Best Company to Work For" gives businesses a real competitive advantage. I hope this year’s winners will inspire others to follow their lead."

Richard Caseby, Managing Editor of The Sunday Times said, "It is a credit to the faith of all those chief executives who took part that they allowed their staff to express themselves so freely to a third party, especially when there are so many competitive pressures. The best companies really do trust those who work for them."

The participating companies represented a cross-section of businesses, including public and privately-owned companies and partnerships, and both UK and foreign-owned firms. Twelve companies from the financial services sector featured in the list, including three insurance firms. The financial services companies featured in the top 100 included Nationwide (#18), Capital One (#77) and American Express (#90).

Survey Methodology
Best Companies Ltd, who have been involved in producing the list for The Sunday Times for the past four years, conducted "The 100 Best 2004." The company canvassed employee opinion via 65 questions in eight specific areas, designed to build a picture of working life in the company. The eight areas were around leadership, well-being, immediate manager, team, fair deal, community involvement, the company itself and personal growth.

For further information, please visit the Sunday Times Web site.