Wragges, DLA and Simmons among top 50 places to work, says company surveyDTI-backed research: three law firms are rated highly among the best UK big businessesThree law firms have been named in a Department of Trade and Industry-funded (DTI) survey as being among the 50 best large businesses to work for in the UK.Birmingham-based Wragge & Co was placed 14th in the league table, published by The Sunday Times, followed by City firms DLA (16th) and Simmons & Simmons (24th).Researchers approached 1,123 companies with more than 500 employees on the basis that they had reputations as good workplaces.Only six UK law firms were among them, including the three firms which came in the top 50.Of the 1,123, only 115 companies finally agreed to survey a randomly selected group of 250 of their workers.

The survey evaluated trust in management, pride in work and the company, and camaraderie.Wragge & Co ranked high on the list because of, according to the survey, 'a strong commitment to all staff - not just lawyers'.

Its aim of being a meritocracy is 'backed by action'.While DLA 'may be aggressive toward competitors', the survey found, 'the internal environment is nurturing'; the working week was recently cut from 37.5 hours to 35 hours but pay remained the same.Nigel Knowles, DLA's managing partner, said: 'Achieving the vision of the firm and living up to our values is a team effort, and we have developed a refreshingly different environment for our people and clients.''Simmons & Simmons prides itself on having a human touch and trusting its staff,' the survey said, pointing to the absence of formal starting or closing hours, allowing teams to make their own arrangements.Managing partner David Dickinson said: 'We are proud that we have managed to balance the considerable demands on all our staff with maintaining a supportive internal environment.'Internet products supplier Cisco Systems topped the table.

Next year the survey will be repeated with a wider range of companies, as the threshold for entry will be 250 employees.Jeremy Fleming