The Works

The Works is a British value retailer selling books, art supplies, games and craft activities. Founded in 1981, it began as a single store and now trades from more than 500 shops across the United Kingdom and Ireland, employing more than 3,500 people and reporting annual sales of £123.8 million. Its product range is built around affordable, screen-free activities intended to support reading, learning, creativity and play.

The company's offer falls into four broad categories: books; paint and art materials; games; and crafts and creative activities. The assortment is aimed at families, with an emphasis on low prices and on products that encourage time spent together rather than in front of screens.

For prospective employees, the company's internal measures are notable. It reports a happiness score of 76%, which it says exceeds both UK retail and global averages; it was ranked 10th Best Big Company to Work For in 2024 by Best Companies; and it received a three-star "Excellent" Employee Experience rating in 2025. The stated values - "Crafty, Caring, Can-do" - underpin a culture the company describes as mission-driven and focused on creating meaningful moments for customers.

Roles are distributed across a store estate in the United Kingdom and Ireland, spanning retail operations and head-office functions. Further information is available at theworks.jobs.