Not only one ‘blue’ day
On ‘Blue Monday’, Unite highlights mental health in the workplace
On Blue Monday today (January 21) – popularly viewed as the ‘most depressing’ day of the year – Unite is highlightin
St Mungos fight goes on
St Mungo’s bosses trying to reinstate ‘race to the bottom’ T&Cs
Bristol st
Unite launches construction period dignity campaign
Unite reps in our branch have been raising the need for period dignity for all sections of workers as part of Unite's camapign see here
Unravelling Union Recognition - Branch Training - Sat 9th Feb
3rd January 2019
We are pleased to offer places on the Unravelling Union Recognition training, 11am - 2pm, Saturday 9th February, Unite London Region, 33-37 Moreland Street, London EC1V 8DU ( VIEW
Developing Links with Tenants - SHAC Meeting - 29th January
3rd January 2019
All branch reps and activists are invited to the next meeting of the Social Housing Action Campaign, 6.30pm, 29th January 2019 at Unite HQ, Holborn.
When the Unite team at Pe
Unite launch Brexit Immigration law helpline
Botched deal
Unite has launched a specialist helpline to assist migrant workers concerned about immigration issues as the UK leaves the European Union.
Our next branch meeting is a chance to
Peabody: Unite members victory follows strike vote
Unanimous agreement
Last week we reported that Peabody Direct staff had voted for strike action in protest at redundancy
Construction Industry Training Board betrayed
CITB’s betrayal of its workforce in Norfolk and across the UK brutally confirmed
Unite has said that the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is betraying 300 of its staff by effectively making them redund
Health and Safety bulletin
Shelter workers secure pay victory
Strikes called off
Members of Unite, employed by housing charity Shelter, are celebrating victory after agreeing a vastly improved pay offer. The decision to accept the new deal means that the VIEW
Vote for strike at Peabody Direct
Unite members threatened with redundancy at the Peabody Direct call centre have voted to strike.
Over fifty “Peabody Direct” staff currently based
Winners of the Tarnished Trophies Announced!
The winners of the 2018 Tarnished Trophies have been announced following hundreds of votes from workers, residents and tenants. Top of the leader board for this year were:
Unity over Division
Unite nationally has launched its Unity over Division campaign in response to the rise of the far right in Britain and across Europe.
If you want a speaker at a workplace meeting or advice on camapigning on these issues do contact a branch officer
&nb
Shelter staff to strike on pay
Shelter workers to strike next month following ‘derisory’ pay offer
Officers of Unite housing workers (LE1111 branch) send solidarity to our sisters and brothers working at Shelter.
&nbs
Peter Bedford Housing Association: Victory for Unite members
Hackney housing strike off as Unite celebrates victory in pay dispute
Planned strike action at Peter Bedford Housing Association, in Hackney, involving members of Unite has been called off after management agreed to ho
Peter Bedford HA: Strike to follow breached agreement
Hackney housing association facing week of strikes over broken pay promises
100% vote for action
Members
Mears buys Mitie's housing arm
Workforce must be protected
Unite the union, representing workers at both Mitie and Mears, is seeking reassurances from both companies that the workforce will be fully protected following today’s announcement (N
Catalyst £11,000 party for boss Redundancies for workers
Catalyst splash £11,000+ on invite only retirement bash for outgoing CEO, the same week some staff are informed of redundancy
Rod Cahill, the retiring CEO of Catalyst Housing Ltd, has enjoyed a lavish invite-only
Strike action at Peter Bedford Housing Association
100% vote to strike
Unite members at Peter Bedford Housing Association voted 100% to strike on a 96% turnout. The strike will start on Monday December 3rd at 8.00am and continue until Friday December 7th. <
#StopUniversalCredit Unite day of action 1st December
#StopUniversalCredit day of action 1st December
Join the #StopUniversalCredit day of action
- Saturday 1st December 2018
Stress: a growing epidemic
Working days lost to stress blamed on poor management
Working days lost to stress increased by nearly a quarter in 2017 according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), leading to calls for a “culture change&r
Unite in housing: Pay up!
Housing association margins 'seriously impressive'
Housing associations regularly book record surpluses and margins well over 30 per cent described by Savills as “seriously impressive.” Meanwh
Handling Grievances and Disciplinaries Training
02/11/18
Reps are often called upon to support members through individual casework. This includes grievances and disciplinaries, capability procedures, contract changes, TUPE consultations, pay and pension
November Branch - Special Guest Speaker!
02/11/18
The leadership of the housing sector is not as inclusive as it should be, and doesn't reflect
Unite members at Peter Bedford ballot for pay strike
Refusing to pay increment
Unite members at Peter Bedford Housing Association are currently balloting for potential strike action over pay. Senior management are refusing to pay staff the incremen
Unite produces briefing on SHPS
Threat to housing workers pensions
Last Friday we reported on the anouncement that the biggest pension scheme in the sector, the Social Ho
Catalyst attempting to ram through reorganisation
Environmental services: redundancies threatened
Union busting Housing Association, Catalyst have recently announced plans to reorganise the
Threat to housing workers’ pensions: Unite will resist
Unite to resist any changes that result in a detriment to our members.
Around ten thousand housing workers could face attacks to their pension schemes following the announcement this week of further increases i
Mental health workers struggling under unsustainable workloads
Unite responds to the Care Quality Commission report on social care
Unsustainable workload
Mental health workers are struggling under unsustainable workloads, an NHS watch-dog
Report of ACAS diversity conference
A key element of the work of our reps is promoting diversity and training is availible through the union. Let us know if you have a report to share with other branch members or if you want support. The union currently has national campaigns for VIEW
London assembly questions housing association CEOs
Catalyst boss Rod Cahill fails to impress
Management communication with staff was allegedly helped by derecognising trade unions, at least according to Catalyst housing association boss Rod Cahill. Not surpr
Unite: lack of progress on cladding disgraceful
Likely that St Mungos passed on confidential information
“Likely that St Mungos passed on confidential information without permission”
Rough sleepers rounded up
The Information Commis
Theresa May: no solution to housing crisis
Housing Association bosses give Theresa May standing ovation
Housing association chiefs gave Theresa May a standing ovation for her speech to the National Housing Federation on Wednesday. There can’t be man
Housing Association boss’s get inflation busting pay rises again
Growing gap between workers and top executives
Housing Association boss’s have been awarded an average pay rise of 4.3% this year according to figures published in today’s VIEW | DOWNLOAD
Liverpool hospital safety scandal
Flammable cladding found on unfinished Liverpool hospital contracted out to Carillion
Unite is writting to all safety reps to ensure they are provided with clear evidence that cladding is safe.
Unite demands period dignity
Unite is demanding that women and girls have period dignity. By making changes in our workplaces, our places of education, and in society, women and girls will be able to have a positive period knowing that they are able to access sanitary products.
Catalyst Housing: senior pay races ahead of inflation
Catalyst Housing's annual report shows bumper pay increases for senior management. Below we reproduce the response of Unite reps at Catalyst where Unite has a growing membership and active presence despite the associations anti union stance and refusal to recognise trade unions.
Connection at St Martins restructure: Union fully consulted
Good practice and reducing cost of senior management
After a change in senior management, The Connection at St Martin's (CSTM) recently went through a restructure which will begin on the 1st October. The
Irish Embassy Protest - Support the Dublin Occupations
Housing activists in Dublin have occupied properties on Summerhill Parade and Frederick Street. They are resisting the obscenity of good homes standing empty for years while a growing tide of homeless fend for themselves on the city streets.The activists now face legal action and eviction.&n
Launching Show racism the Red Card's wear red day
Each October Show Racism the Red Card holds its annual Wear Red Day!
Some recent larger than usual events organised by the far right are a warning to the labour movement. At our branch meeting on Tuesday 11 Septe
HCA Pay Strike: Improved Options Approved!
Unite members at the HCA (Homes England and the Regulator of Social Housing) today voted overwhelmingly to endorse a revised set of options on pay following industrial action in July, and a sustained campaign over the last few months. The favoured options take a tiered approach and would signific
To Make HAs Better Landlords, Make Them Better Employers!
The government has published a paper seeking views on their 'vision' for social housing, which they say should provide "safe, secure homes that help people get on with their lives." If this is truly their aim, then government needs to focus not just on measures directly aimed at
September Branch Meeting - Opposing the Far Right!
We're delighted to announce that our next branch meeting will open with Peter Kavannagh, Unite Regional Secretary, on opposing the rise of the far right in Britain.
Housing Green Paper 'pitiful'
No new money
Faced with public outrage following the deaths at Grenfell tower, a deep housing crisis with unaffordable homes and rising numbers sleeping rough the government promised a “fundament
New Date for the Alternative Housing Awards 2018!
Housing association bosses love nothing more than adding to their shelf of nice shiny accolades. But instead of bosses’ self-congratulations, we want residents and workers to have a say.
Construction bogus self-employment rises again
Unite Research
Research by Unite has revealed a fresh rise in bogus self-employment in the construction industry.
A Freedom of Information request made by Unite to the HMRC revealed that 1,12
HCA: 13% real terms pay cut for staff - 'generous' pay at top
Pay settlements below inflation
A look at the recently published HCA Annual Report and Financial Stat
The Simmering Summer Social is Here!
This year, we will be partying as follows:
- Time: 7pm
- Date: Friday 17th August
Pay: information for fighting back
Pay increases
Union members at Torus Group have accepted an increase of 3.1% in 2018/19 following rejection of the initial offer of two per
Work and the heatwave
Temperature at work
Let us know how you are coping with the heatwave at work.
Employers have a legal duty to prevent injury and ill health to their employees if they are exposed to unreasonab
Catalyst sick pay mass grievance: staff still waiting
Catalyst dont recognise unions and appear not to recognise their own staff
Two hundred and forty staff at Catalyst housing are still waiting for a serious response to their grievance which challenges the draconian sick
Job Losses at Peabody Direct
Staff angered by Chief Executive comments
Over fifty “Peabody Direct” call centre staff based at Waterloo, have been warned that their jobs are to be transferred from March 2019 to ex-Family Mosaic offices
Unite fighting the far right
Peter Kavanagh, Unite Lon
Unite HCA Strike - Solid Support
12 July 2018
The strike at the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has been solidly supported across all workplaces, with solidarity provided across the trade union and labour movement. Reps will now put plans for a second phase of action out to members, aiming to&n
Strike Held at the Homes & Communities Agency
Latest update: Wednesday 11th July: Gather at Homes England headquarters on 12th July
Unite's national organising team will be at the Homes England headquarters (Windsor House, 42-50 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0T
Branch meeting - tackling the housing crisis
Branch meeting - all members welcome
As well as discussing what is happening in our workplaces including the strike at the VIEW
HCA Pay Strike On - 10th-12th July
6th July 2018
Unite members at the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will be on strike in protest at years of real-terms pay cuts and pay inequality. The organisation is home to the Regulator of Social Housing and Homes England brands,
Nominate Now in the Alternative Housing Awards!
Tuesday 3rd July 2018
Housing association bosses love nothing more than adding to their shelf of nice shiny accolades. But instead of bosses’ self-congratulations, VIEW
Unite Policy Conference: £35 million strike fund
McCluskey: Bad bosses be warned, Unite is afraid of no-one
Unite has today pledged that its £35 million strong strike fund will support workers standing up against workplace abuse.
Addr
HCA Members Vote Yes to Strike!
Unite members at the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) have overwhelmingly voted for strike action in protest at years of real-terms pay cuts and pay inequality. The organisation is home to the Regulator of Social Housing and Homes England brands, and Unite is the largest of three recognised tra
Catalyst housing staff submit grievance on harsh sickness policy
Harsh and possibly discriminatory
Over 200 staff at Catalyst Housing have submitted a grievance to the board of the association objecting to a harsh and possibly discriminatory new sickness absence policy which
‘Not a police attack’ Unite supports Lush cosmetics #spycops
Unite supports Lush cosmetics #spycops campaign
Our branch has a longstanding affiliation to the Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance
Poli
United We Organise: Open Event
You are invited to our open event for all housing association and co-op residents on Thursday 14th June, 6pm - 8pm, Unite HQ, 128 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8TN.
Data: GDPR and the workplace
Using new data regulations as an opportunity to negotiate better conditions
Unite Shop Stewards / Reps have an opportunity to further improve conditions for our members. This is particularly the case regarding workplace surveillance.
New data protection rules don’t trump safety reps’ rights
GDPR - Employers wrongly using them to restrict information to Health & Safety reps
The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into effect this week and some employers are ‘worryingly’ –
‘Enough is enough’
Thousands call for a better working deal at TUC march
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in London on Saturday (May 14) to demand a better deal for British workers, who are now enduring falling living stan
St Mungos facing legal questions
Lawyers complain to Charity Commission & Information Commissioner
Lawyers from the Public Interest Law Unit (Pilu) have lodged a complaint with the Charity Commission and the Information Commissioner’s Office
Savills: housing association profit margins increase
As Unite reps are discussing this year’s pay round with management further evidence confirms the remarkable profitability of housing associations.
Seriously impressive margins
Despite t
Do you know about the Unite asbestos register?
Register for all those who believe they have been exposed to asbestos at work
Unite maintains a register for all members who believe they have been exposed to asbestos at work. The database allows us to trace witnesses
Strike Action a Step Closer at HCA
Unite members at the Homes and Communities Agency have moved a step closer to strike action following an overwhelming vote in favour of balloting for industrial action.
The Agency, which has now rebranded its functions into Homes England and The Regulator of Socia
Branch Speaker - Len Hockey - Barts Health Branch!
We are delighted to confirm a great guest speaker for our forthcoming branch meeting.
About Len Hockey
Len has been a porter at Whipps Cross for almost 30 years, and is the Secretary of the local Unite health branch. They have regularly hit th
Below inflation pay offer: housing workers prepare strike action
Torus Group impose below infation pay
Unite members employed at Helena Partnerships Limited, Golden Gates Housing Trust and Torus 62 Limited, who undertake housing maintenance on social housing in Warrington and St Hel
Unite: Employers need to provide more quality apprenticeships
Low skilled jobs rebranded
The Reform think tank has produced a study showing that low skilled VIEW
Unite slams ‘dead end’ construction courses
Radical overhaul
Unite is calling for a radical overhaul in how construction training is undertaken, after unearthing a large increase in so called ‘dead end construction courses.
A fre
Gender pay gap: what to do?
TUC produce guide for activists
Unite reps in the housing sector have been reviewing the pay gap in their organisations - the new employer reports can be found VIEW | DOWNLOAD
Homeless reduction act not funded
Minister: "I dont know why rough sleeper numbers are up"
The new Homelessness Reduction Act comes in to force on April 3rd im
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Sexual harassment: EHRC plans welcomed but more needed
Non disclosure agreements
Recommendations by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) including outlawing non-disclosure agreements being implemented to prevent workers complaining of sexual harassment unless in
Protest at auction with £7.2 million social homes up for sale
Housing workers join tenants
Housing workers from Unite LE1111 joined London tenants this morning to protest at an auction where £7.2 million social homes were due to be sold.
Feeling the squeeze - fight back on pay
Wages need to rise faster than inflation
This week’s figures for price inflation show prices rising at 3.6% per year (RPI) and forecast to remain steady. That means we are still feeling a w
Is Mental Health First Aid the answer? Depends on the question
£15 million programme
A number of employers on the social housing sector have embraced the idea of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in recent years. The government has recently announced a £15 million p
Undercover rough sleeper
ITV Tonight Programme
In a TV programme screening tonight Tory MP Adam Holloway spends a week sleeping rough in Lo
Highly successful branch AGM
Marked increase in number of reps
Our highly successful AGM on Tuesday heard from our officer Adam Lambert that we have experienced a marked increase in the number of reps elected across the branch and positive reports
Survey on harassment and discrimination
Trade magazine Inside Housing has launched a survey on the prevalence of harassment, discrimination and negative comments based on identity in the housing sector.
Homelessness: For a Right to Shelter
Homeless people harassed
Cuts to services working with the homeless have meant that our members are working in what are sometimes impossible conditions. Local authorities have harassed homeless people
Jennie Formby: We must do better for women
My union helped me find my voice
Yesterday we reported on the 18.4% gender pay gap at ‘Homes England’. Here Jennie Formby,
Homes England gender pay gap 18.4%
Unsurprising but unacceptable
Unite reps at ‘Homes England’ said that the gender pay gap of 18.4% is unacceptable. The new government agency, which replaced the ‘Homes and Commu
Two Fantastic AGM Guest Speakers
St Mungos back in the news: rough sleeper deportations
Worked with Home Office patrols that illegally arrested and deported
Homelessness charity St Mungos is once again under scrutiny over its role in working with the Home Office in targeting rough sleepers for deportation
The Double – glazed glass ceiling
Black, Female, and not badly Educated
A recent survey by Inside Housing highlighted the lack of diversity at senior le
‘Record profits’ for housing associations
New Moody’s report
UK Housing Associations once again made record profits according to a new report from VIEW
Annual General Meeting 2018
4% inflation – what about our pay?
Real hardship
The RPI inflation figure stands at 4% with fuel and light costs up 6.5%. After many years of pay and conditions being squeezed in housing associations many Unite members are now calling for 5% pay i
CITB confirms it will exit training role
Skills black hole
News that the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has confirmed it will end all directing training by 2020, will create a skills black hole and strip the industry of the capability to undertake s
Strikes secure 20% pay increases at Manchester Mears
Unite claims victory following agreement in marathon Manchester Mears dispute
Housing workers have followed the dispute at outsourcing giant Mears in Manchester and will welcome this outcome. The Unite housin
Peabody workers defend pensions
Human and kind?
by Jack Frost
Generally the more an organisation talks about being ‘caring’, ‘kind’ and ‘human’, the less it actually is in reali
Deepening skills crisis in construction
Industry remains in denial on construction skills chasm
Unite has renewed its demands for radical action to be taken to tackle the deepening skills crisis facing the construction industry.
Unite made
Unite Equalities Conferences
Branch members in many workplaces are taking action on a range of equalities issues and responding to Inside Housing magazine's 'Inclusive Futures' initiative. Below Unite National officer for equ
Growing Unite Recruitment Prizes!
Between the 1st February and 30th April we are giving every member the opportunity to win a prize for each new member recruited. The prizes are:
Housing workers contribute to Labour Housing Policy review
Grenfell Tower fire brought home that Britain’s housing system is broken
The Unite housing workers branch has responded to Labour’s consultation on social housing policy by calling for a commitment to a mas
Tory council demonises homeless
Gloucester’s ad campaign shame
Our branch organises workers in a number of homelessness agencies and we camapign for decent properly funded homlessness services and against victimisation of the homeless as we
4.5% pay boost at Peter Bedford Housing Association
Positive result for members
Unite members at the small north east London supported housing organisation Peter Bedford Housing Association (PBHA) have agreed a pay dea
Inclusive futures campaign highlights lack of diversity
Welcome if it results in action
The trade magazine Inside Housing has launched a major campaign promoting ‘diversity and i
Fare increases outstrip pay
We pay five times as much as European commuters
Commuters were faced with around 3.6% fare increases today. As has been widely VIEW
Unite helps migrant workers with English
Unite helps migrant workers with English and so much more
Khadija Najlaoui’s first experience as a Unite rep will never leave her.
'Homelessness is a national crisis'
Unite in more rough sleepers’ homes now call
Homelessness is a “national crisis” and the Tories are “unacceptably complacent” about tackling it, a cross-party committee of MPs said today (
Blow to Govt 'hostile environment' for EU citizens policy
Home Office policy of deporting homeless EU citizens is illegal, High Court rules
The High Court has ordered the Government to stop deporting homeless EU citizens under a controversial policy that has been ruled unlawf
Deal or no deal at Catalyst Housing
Is the Catalyst People Deal a fair deal?
A proposed new “People Deal” at Catalyst Housing raises real concerns for staff – below we detail the proposals and their impact. Catalyst derecognised t
Grenfell families still homeless
Branch members support protest at Kensington Town Hall
Many families that survived the fire at Grenfell Tower face Christmas in hotels and only a small number have been permanently re-housed as over a hundred protestor
The battle for housing ideas
Pro-business ideology
There's a housing policy battle going on inside the Labour Party. Jeremy Corbyn has made a clear commitment to council housing, but others are continuing the doublespeak of the Blair/Brown yea
Unite challenges construction industry on training plans
Construction employers warn of Brexit cliff edge – Unite responds
In the midst of a widening skills crisis the construction industry must spell out how it will train more British workers to avoid a calamitous Bre
New Moody’s report gives financial thumbs up for associations
They can afford good services and a 5% pay increase
The ratings agency Moody’s has given housing associations a financial thumbs up noting the favourable policy environment and good operating margins in a new
Axe the Act - Housing Summit Pledges Action!
The second Axe the Act (AtA) Housing Summit took place on the 25th November attended by around 150 activists from housing campaign groups, housing organisations, trade unions, and other labour movement organisations. The meeting opened with speeches from Eileen Short, one of the AtA organisers, h
Budget – not the ‘game changer’ we need
Eighty per cent of housing budget going to private market
Just 2.5% of new homes built last year were social rented. Terrie Alafat, of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), is right to make the point: “So
Housing workers oppose 'hostile environment' for EU nationals
Judicial Review of the Home Office’s policy of detaining and deporting homeless EU citizens
Unite housing branch members will join a protest outside the Royal Courts on Justice on Tuesday Novembe
Inside Housing reports: how housing crisis hits housing workers
“I have been street homeless while working in the sector”
A major investigation by Insid
No more excuses: fit sprinklers now!
Government set face against paying
In the immediate aftermath of the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower the go
Labour and housing after Grenfell
Housing policy rarely been more political
After Grenfell, housing policy and what it’s doing to our communities has rarely been more in the political, media or public eye.
Housing campa
Dispatches on the #GreatHousingScandal
Familiar issues to Unite members
Publicly owned land sold off with minimal affordable housing built on the development – and the so called affordable housing that is built is unaffordable for local people;
Mears strike resumes
Shocking levels of mental illness and stress revealed problems among Mears Manchester housing workers
Mears is one of the biggest contractors in the housing sector for outsourced repairs. We have VIEW
Harassed at work? Unite can help
Dont suffer in silence
It all started with what at first glance might appear as an innocent comment here and there. But then the boss persisted.
Although Unite member and Woolwich Ferry
Housing Associations: surpluses up, staff costs down
Sector has largely strengthened its financial position
Housing associations have booked record surpluses year after year, along with positive indicators in all the main areas of finance while squeezing their employees.
Mears: 49 days of strikes
Manchester housing workers announce extensive strike action
06 November 2017
Members of Unite employed by Mears in Manchester in housing maintenance roles will begin a programme of 49 days of strikes next wee
Housing association deregulation takes another step
Housing Associations reclassified as private bodies
An obscure letter from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) to the treasury signalling its intention to move £63.5bn of housing association debt back off the
Government response to unpaid sleep-in shifts
Government response to unpaid sleep-in shifts delays pay justice for thousands
02 November 2017
Unite, the UK’s largest union, which represents thousands of social care workers has sharply criticised th
Unite reps at Catalyst housing challenging unhealthy workplaces
National Stress Awareness day
Today is National Stress Awareness Day, but Unite reps are dealing with the problems resulting from stress in the housing sector every day. Unite reps at Catalyst housing have
Unite takes legal action against Optivo on behalf of members
Mergers and restrucruings with scant regard to views of staff
Mergers and restructurings are pushed through across the housing association sector, often with scant regard to the views of staff. Unite is pursuing
More strike action at Mears Manchester
Mears Manchester workers overwhelmingly back fresh industrial action in pay dispute
Members of Unite, the UK’s largest union, employed by Mears in Manchester are set to renew strike action in a longstanding dispu
TUC Conference: A New Beginning?
By John Calderon
The TUC conference this year comes after significant political events which have helped shape the context in which the union leaders and delegations have considered their strategies and tactics.
1. the rise of the Labour Party
RPI inflation hits 3.9% Britain still needs a #PayRise
Real terms pay cuts
Figures released on October 17th show inflation at its highest for half a decade with the R
Centrepoint: action needed on workload and stress
70% of staff thinking of leaving
Members in Centrepoint (the homelessness charity) are clear - action is needed now to reduce workloads and stress, and to provide frontline workers with the resources they need to really help young peop
Catalyst Housing: I would leave tomorrow if offered another job
Catalyst's CEO reviewed his own company as an employer and gave them 5 stars
Some of you may have heard of Glassdoor.co.uk, a website where empl
Unite: May's housing commitments fall short
Government admits extra £2bn will fund only 5K homes a year
Theresa May’s promise to build “a new generation of council houses” during her speech to the Tory conference on Wednes
Unite demands action following racial disparity report
Another PR exercise?
Following mounting pressure on prime minister Theresa May after repeated delays to the publication of a racial disparity report, it was announced this week (October 3) that the study will be out on Tu
Fresh strike ballot at Mears in Manchester
Unite is balloting its members for fresh strike action in a longstanding dispute with Mears in Manchester.
Unite members employed in housing maintenance roles at Mears and at Manchester Working (a joint venture operated by Mears) have already taken 40 days of industrial
Hazards conference
Workplace health and safety reps
The annual Hazards conference takes place each year at Keele University. It is organised by Greater Manchester Hazards Centre (GMHC), part of a national network of Hazards Centres from
HA Workers and Residents - Open Meeting
The HA Workers and Residents Network will be holding an open meeting VIEW | DOWNLOAD
TUC discusses housing
The housing crisis – keenly debated at TUC Congress
Protecting workers' jobs and rights in Brexit Britain and an economy built on decent jobs with an active industrial strategy at its heart were among the key
RPI inflation hits 3.6% What about our pay?
Only senior executives avoid real terms pay cuts
Unite members will face a further squeeze as RPI inflation - the most realistic indicator of costs faced by workers - came in at VIEW
Plumbing pay deal win
Unite welcomes new agreement
Following lengthy negotiations with employer representatives from the plumbing industry, Unite has secured a three-year pay deal for plumbers employed under the Joint Industry Board
Remove 'pests' outrage
Eviction firm compares tenants to rodents
An eviction company has been slammed by Unite after running an advert comparing domestic renters to vermin.
The Facebook advert for the Remov
Branch member Glyn Robbins on Grenfell in the Guardian
Grenfell must be a turning point in housing – for staff and residents
Unite has been active in responsing to the terrible events at Grenfell, responding the VIEW
Join Us - Branch Meal - 18th August!
Bogus self employment up
Huge rise in construction bogus self-employment demonstrates urgent need for radical employment reforms
Unite is calling for root and branch reforms of employment rights after new figures demonstrated bogus self-employ
Grenfell: possible corporate manslaughter charges
Unite welcomes police ‘corporate manslaughter’ probe into Grenfell fire
The police’s investigation into possible corporate manslaughter charges relating to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, when an estimate
#BankStrike! Bank of England first strike in 50 years
Solidarity events
Tuesday 1st August Badge Day – collect a strike badge from the picket and wear to work!
Wednesday 2nd August Picnic Day – join the picket line for a lunchtime picnic to show your
When 'sleep-in' time counts!
In supported housing the question of working hours has been hotly debated. Here is a guide for reps and members cross posted from Unite for our Society.
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Barts Strike: Low paid workers two week action
Pressure on Serco
Pressure is growing on the private contractor Serco as hundreds of low paid workers at Barts Health NHS Trust prepare for a two week strike from Tuesday 25 July in their continuing fight against low p
Our Reps and Activists are Schooled in Leadership!
Our hardworking reps quite often have to work unsociable hours, evenings and weekends, and any time off is therefore very precious. However, over 20 reps were prepared to give up a Saturday to come along to our first Leadership Forum on Saturday 15th July.
Every
Mears / Northwards Housing strike escalates
Mears Manchester housing workers set to begin all out strike action
Unite, the UK’s largest construction union, announced today (Monday 3 July) a dramatic escalation in strike action as part of a long running dis
Hot and bothered
Is your office too hot?
Amanda Campbell, Cross posted from UNITELive
You know what it can be like at w
Grenfell Tower Independent inquiry plea
Unite concerns over tenants’ fears ignored
Ryan Fletcher cross posted from Unite Live
Successive housing ministe
After Grenfell: change needed in construction
Unite calls for fresh start on construction regulations following Grenfell fire
Unite, the UK’s largest construction union, is calling for a radical new approach to regulations and safety laws, following the Gren
Mears strikers protest at Chartered Institute of Housing
£3,500 less for doing the same work
Members of Unite in social housing will be demonstrating outside the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Housing 2017 conference at the Manchester Central C
Unite @ Sanctuary - Next Members Meeting
Every Rep's a Leader - Leadership Forum
Every rep’s a leader - and every activist is too! We all have to use leadership skills in our role, whether it is in collective bargaining, organising and campaigning, making sure the union is visible in the workplace, or taking on casework. The strange thing about leadership skil
Clarion: a fair slice of the cake?
Undervalued, overworked
We were going to send some cake round today but decided to eat it ourselves and tell you to know how much we enjoyed it. We’ve heard you’ve got so much work, increased targets and, m
Unite steps up Mears strike
Unite steps up action in Mears Manchester housing dispute
Unite, the UK’s largest union, is stepping up the pressure in an increasingly bitter dispute with private contractor Mears and joint venture company Manch
Unite seeks action after sharp fall in construction inspections
Unite seeks action after sharp fall in construction inspections revealed
Unite, the UK’s principal construction union, is seeking urgent meetings with ministers and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a f
Grenfell: Never again
Numerous branch members attended Friday’s protests to express solidarity and we will be on Saturdays protest from midday at Kensington Town Hall.
Below see reports from the national Unite Live w
#GrenfellTower: Donate Protest Petition
Residents and housing workers have expressed their shock at the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower, Silchester Estate, last night.
The Unite Housing Workers Branch sends solidarity to all affected and sends deepest sympathies to
Grenfell Tower appeal
Call for investigation
There has been a wave of sympathy and help for the victims of this fire. The housing workwers branch has produced a statement expressing sympathy and noting some of the troubling questions
Fire at Grenfell Tower
Need for investigation
Residents and housing workers have been shocked by the events in Kensington last night. Below is an initial statement expressing our sympathy and concern at the incident.
United We Stand!
Standing shoulder to shoulder with residents help us as trade unionists to achieve more of what we want - better pay, better working conditions, and healthier environments. It's as simple as that!
The Housing Association Workers and Residents Network
Unite condemns Mears beard ban decree
Penny pinching stupidity
Unite has condemned a decree by outsourced housing maintenance company Mears, which bars workers from having beards as ‘penny pinching stupidity’.
Members
Manchester housing strikers determined
Striking Manchester housing workers in ‘crazy car clamping’ threats
Private housing contractor Mears and joint venture company Manchester Working, are accused of issuing ‘crazy car clamping’ th
Fighting back at Thirteen Group
Thirteen Group concede and agreement is reached
As we reported yesterday RPI inflation has hit 3.5% and is rising, when you conmpare thuis to pay in the sector it is no wonder that Unite members in housing show a g
Inflation hits 3.5%
Unite warns of ‘wage squeeze’ as inflation outstrips average earnings
Britain’s largest union, Unite warned of a continuing Tory ‘wage squeeze’ not seen since Victorian times as the latest
Striking housing workers to protest outside Manchester Town Hall
Dispute with Mears and "Manchester Working"
Striking members of Unite employed on social housing maintenance contracts in Manchester will stage a demonstration outside of Manchester Town Hall, on Monday 15 Ma
Clarion Housing: Unite recommends rejection of pay offer
Offer represents real terms pay cut
Clarion housing has offered staff an increase of 2.5% on basic pay rates. Inflation is currently running at 3.1% measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI) and all analysts proje
Inflation to reach 3.4% CPI this year
NIESR: 'households will feel the pinch'
Inflation will hit 3.4% CPI later this year according to the respected National Institute Economic and Social Research (NIESR) in a VIEW
Low pay: Housing workers offered financial counselling
Family Mosaic offering staff financial advice to ease mental health concerns
Housing association Family Mosaic has announced that in response to the pressures resulting from low pay they will “offer our staff the
Book release: New book on housing by branch member
There’s No Place: The American Housing Crisis and what it means for the UK
Branch member Glyn Robbins has written a new book:
My book, There’s No Place: The A
Election issue: Rough sleeping rising
New rough sleepers in London soar by 15%
The number of new rough sleepers in London has risen by a shocking 15%; new figures from CHAIN (Combined Homelessness Informatio
And The Winners Are ...
Ten housing associations were given Tarnished Trophies at the Alternative Housing Awards on the 26th April, to loud jeers by residents and workers.
Alternative Housing Awards Surge to 718 Entries!
The online voting for Alternative Housing Awards has closed after receiving an incredible 718 entries. Thank you to all those who have submitted nominations. We are now working through
Clarion's Possible Partnership With GLA
The Unite Housing Workers' Branch has condemned the discussions taking place between the Greater London Authority and Clarion Group with the potential to create a strategic partnership ( VIEW
HAs' Serial Neglect of Residents and Properties
Housing associations have been guilty of 'serial neglect of residents and properties' according to the Guardian. It highlighted allegations against many of the biggest names in the sector, including Catalyst, Sanctuary, Notting Hill Housing, and One Housing Group. Almost all of these
Hyde Tops the League of Shame! Nominations for Bad Awards So Far
See also: Lousy Landlords and Bullying Bosses - Welcome to the Alternative Housing Awards - press release
Hyde Housing Group is now topping the league of sham
Minimum Wage to Rise by 4%
The Annual National Minimum Wage Rise Recognises The Real Rising Cost of Living
The National Minimum Wage for workers aged 25 and over is rising by more than 4%, increasing from £7.20 an hour to £7.50. For those working full-t
Keyworkers Condemn One Housing 40% Rent Hike
Keyworkers including teachers and nurses, all residents of One Housing Group (OHG), have condemned the organisation's threat to raise rents by 40%.
Many are deeply concerned that they cannot meet such rent increases, particularly a
Nominations Pour in for Bad Awards!
It is clear that despite record surpluses and highly paid executives, our sector is awash with bad landlords and bad employers as nominations flood in for the Alternative Housing Awards.
Less than a week since nominations opened, we have already received almost 100
Unite says #Jobstownnotguilty
Sit down protest
In November 2014, as part of the protests against the privatisation of water in Ireland, an impromptu sit-down protest stopped the car of a minister and her entourage. Now, those protesters are c
Unite responds to Labour MP
Unite response to Jess Philips’ call for candidates to back a women’s charter
Members will know that our branch agreed to nominate Len
Elections: Your union is run by you
Ballot papers posted from 27 March
Elections run until 19th April
Following discussion at a recent branch meeting we nominated the following candidates and would encourage members to supp
Does Your Association Deserve a Bad Award?
We have regular news items about the misbehaviour of our employers. Now, housing workers everywhere can name and shame them for their bad behaviour. Nominations can be made anonymously and online VIEW
Jump in inflation rate underlines case for pay claims
4% minimum pay increase in the housing sector needed
The headline inflation figure jumped to 2.3% in February. Figures released today show that inflation has risen by much more than expected; the main drivers of
Construction workers have high suicide risk
Construction must radically reform to reduce high suicide rates
Unite, the largest union for construction workers, is calling on the industry to take radical action to reduce the high number of suicides among its workf
Unite elections and Tom Watson
Unite statement on Tom Watson MP’s claims on Momentum and Unite
Unite is holding elections for the positions of General Secretary and for members of the Executive Council. Voting starts on March 27th.
Unite supports #MarchAgainstRacism
London: 12:00 noon, (BBC) Portland Place, W1A 1AA
For information and details for other cities see here
New evidence that housing associations can afford decent pay
Sector optimistic and ready for future challenges
'Economic sentiment' among housing associations is at its highest level since the financial crisis according to an VIEW
Unite on post Brexit construction workforce
Responding to RICS
Commentating on today’s (15 March) Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey that warns that the UK construction industry could lose 8% of its workforce due to Brexit, Unite acting g
Housing workers calling for 4% pay increases
Resounding message
Unite has agreed to campaign for a minimum 4% pay increase in housing and reps have been getting a resounding message fr
Clarion back-tracks on denying sick pay
New group to pay sick pay from day one
Stung by accusations that the newly created Clarion Housing Group was becoming the Sports Direct of housing associations they have this morning told staff that: “...st
National apprentiship week & dead end construction apprentiships
Unite for apprentiships
National Apprenticeship Week 2017 is taking place from 6-10 March 2017, promoting app
Rough sleeper immigration raids and homelessness charities
Homelessness agencies accused of being complicit in coercive deportations
Homelessness agencies including St Mungos are identified as complicit in immigration raids and a process that results in some of London’s
Leeds Housing Crisis Summit!
Leeds 'Hands Off Our Homes' has called a meeing to discuss the local housing crisis and to develop a campaign for affordable solutions:
Campaign Planning Day
10.30am – 3.30pm,
Sat 25th March
Oxford C
Pay: "Utterly shameful"
Shocking report shows UK nearly bottom for wage growth
Housing associations have been booking record surpluses year after year while squeezing
Stop benefit sanctions
National Day of Action Against Sanctions - Thursday 30 March 2017
Pushed people into sleeping rough
The government’s despised benefit
Work proper hours in housing
Talking point
Work your proper hour’s day always gets press coverage and becomes a talking point - this year Friday 24th February. It’s the day when the average person who does unpaid overtime finis
Next Workers and Residents Meeting Scheduled!
Monday 6th March 6.30pm
Faraday House, 48 Old Gloucester St London WC1N
Work Your Proper Hours Day, Friday 24th Feb 2017
Housing staff work well over contractual hours
Work Your Proper Hours Day, Friday 24th Feb 2017, is the day when the average person who does unpaid overtime finishes the unpaid days they do every year, and starts earn
Housing Associations book record surpluses - again!
£3.4 billion surplus over the last year
English Housing Associations have produced a record surplus of £3.4 billion over the last year according to the latest ‘Global Accounts’ for the sector pr
Clarion plan to deny sick pay for first three days of illness
Hardly a way to boost morale
Newly created housing association giant, ‘Clarion’ is planning an attack on staff terms and conditions meaning that staff will not receive occupational sick pay for the first th
Housing Association residents and workers form network
Threat from housing act
Housing association residents gathered to discuss creating a network with housing workers to fight the threat from the new housing act and from increasing commercialisation. The meeting wa
New stress guide from the TUC and HSE
Tackling workplace stress
A new guide to tackling workplace stress using the health and safety executive management standards has been produced by the TUC and the Health and Safety executive. Branch members incre
Clarion staff vote for union recognition
Management organised ballot
In a management organised vote staff at Clarion have supported union recognition. Around half the staff participated and a clear majority of 61.4% voted for recognition. This fol
High heel ‘probe’
Report: discriminatory dress codes widespread
Dress codes have been in the news again recently. The report below is from the Unite Live website. There are
‘Useful as a chocolate fireguard’
Govt’s strategy fails construction’s skills gap
After six years of fiddling and relying on the so-called invisible hand of the market to correct industrial imbalances the government has fin
Unite committed to union rights for Clarion staff
Staff concern as management disrupt lines of communication
98% vote for industrial action to defend union rights
It was disapointing to sta
Money's Too Tight to Mention!
Pay Campaign Training Day a Success!
It's probably no surprise to fellow members of the sector that whilst the housing sector grows richer, social house building is curtailed, and our members' wage rises fail t
Meet Len McCluskey!
We are delighted to announce that Unite General Secretary Len McClusky will be speaking at our next branch meeting as follows:
6pm on Tuesday 7th February
Diskus Centre, Unite HQ
128 Theobalds Rd, London WC1X 8TN
(
End poverty pay at British Airways
#BAlowpaynoway
Cabin crew working for British Airways ‘Mixed Fleet’ taking strike action over ‘poverty’ pay levels which are leading to crew sleeping in their cars between shifts. Th
Cancer all-clear for night work based on ‘bad science’
Methodological flaws "invalidate" conclusions
Night shifts are bad for your health, and many of our members who work night shifts have been particularly concerned at the mounting evidence that night work is l
Stop STP's Don't slash trash & privatise our NHS
Demonstrate on 4th March 2017 and protest now
The NHS faces another wave of drastic cuts, privatisation and reorganisation. This is going to have a massive impact on patients and staff alike. We must f
Union members protest at Clarion launch
Union members committed to fighting for workers rights
A lobby of the launch party for Clarion met a friendly response as visitors arrived at the Royal Society of Arts. members of Unite and the o
HA Workers and Residents Meeting
Axe the Act and the Unite Housing Workers Branch have organised a meeting open to all housing association workers and residents to develop a network for greater campaigning strength. As with public services, to defeat the Housing and Planning Act and the austerity agenda, workers and service user
Wishaw housing dispute: Strike fund launched
Housing association wants to slash holiday pay and increase working week
Unite the union has launched a strike fund appeal to support workers at Wishaw & District Housing Association.
Tod
Mega meger housing association threatens union derecognition
Clarion formed as biggest housing association - starts by threatening union derecognition
Affinity Sutton and Circle housing associations completed their merger on November the 30th with staff facing t
Call to stop the salary slashing of supported living workers
Please support the call to stop the salary slashing of supported living workers
Supported Living (SSL) Workers at Sanctuary staff have received letters from their employer threatening a possible dismissal and re-engage
Sanctuary: We'll Dismiss and Re-Engage Staff
Sanctuary Supported Living (SSL) staff have received letters from their employer threatening a possible dismissal and re-engagement if they do not agree to huge pay cuts, even though the project makes an annual surplus. The SSL project contributes to the parent organisation&
Defend domestic violence refuges
'Sisters uncut' are organising nationwide protests highlighting the impact of cuts on domestic violence refuges and we as Unite housing workers have sent a message of support. Below we reproduce an article from their VIEW
Strikes at the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
We agreed to send solidarity and a donation to strikers at our branch meeting on Tuesday night.
Fighting an attack on annual leave at St Mungos
"Hey Howard, Leave our annual leave alone"
Workers in St Mungos have been faced with a reduction in annual leave, and Unite is supporting their fight back. They are angry that, once ag
Wishaw Housing Association workers in second four day strike
Stop attacking conditions
Unite the union is calling on Wishaw and District Housing Association in Scotland to stop attacking the conditions of hard-working members. Workers at the housing association will strike
Unite Says: No Salary Slashing at Sanctuary!
The Unite Housing Workers Branch got into the Halloween spirit, doling out money from cauldrons to get across the point that Sanctuary Housing Group (SHG) should not be cutting the salaries of it's frontline workers.
Housing association downgraded because of fire safety
Unite reps will remind management
The social housing regulator has downgraded another housing association following failures to do with its fire risk assessments. Manchester based St Vincent&rsqu
Unite victory for breastfeeding mums
Working women’s right to continue breastfeeding after returning to work
Sanctuary housing
JOIN THE THUNDERCLAP
Sanctuary Housing Group, are planning to cut salaries of workers by up to one third despite hundreds of workers challenging the cuts in the consultation process. T
The Human Reality of Government Housing Policy
Failure to relate abstract policy to peoples' everyday lives
The growing mess around the Housing and Planning Act partly results from a failure to relate VIEW
Axe the housing act - new figures illustrate crisis
43% population in substandard housing
Homelessness is rising and by any measure Britain’s housing crisis is getting worse. Today a new report shows that 43% of VIEW
Work stress at record levels - see our new resources
Seven in ten reps report problem
Findings published by the TUC on 10 October indicat
Butterfields tenants win
We will not move
Tenants on the Butterfields estate in Walthamstow, east London, have secured a victory against the housing crisis. They collectively said 'we will not move' and they will now b
Mental health services reeling from funding crisis
Psychologists’ survey highlights NHS mental health funding crisis
Mental health services are reeling from a funding crisis, low morale and increased workloads, says a survey of NHS applied psychologists released
Double blow for Bromley council over library sell-off plans
Bexley pull out
Bromley council has been dealt a double blow to its plans to sell-off the borough’s treasured libraries.
Bexley council has informed Bromley council that it will no
Housing Association slammed by regulator over fire safety
Regulatory notice
Tower Hamlets Community Housing Association (TCHA) has been given a “regulatory notice” by the social housing regulator becuase of a failure to adress fire safety issues.
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Labour conference opposes housing act
Councils should 'pause and review' housing act provisions
Labour Party conference passed a resolution opposing the housing act and calling on councils to “pause and review the Act's provisions”
Unite victory in Bromley
Bromley’s volunteer-run library threat is quelled
We have reported on struggles in Bromley and Unite branch secreatary Kath Smith has spoken at our m
Housing crisis roadshow
Only Corbyn has put forth a realistic solution to the present shambles
A commitment to build one million homes in five years — half of them to be council homes — and control rents in the private rented sect
New figures: Housing bosses get inflation busting pay increases
Chief Executive pay up 4% on average while services and staff pay are cut
Overall pay for Housing Association bosses is up by 4% this year, once again an inflation busting increase according to Inside Housing’s p
Unite ‘dismayed’ at threat to 64 housing association jobs
Riverside job losses
The announcement today (Wednesday 3 August) of a possible 64 job losses at the Riverside housing association in Cumbria has been met with dismay by Unite, the country’s largest union. R
Register To Vote In The Labour Leadership Election!
Unite members can register before 8 August
If you register before noon on 8 August Unite members can vote. Unite is affiliated to the Labour Party you do not to pay any money to do this.
Unit
Don’t cut our Human Rights!
EHRC facing 25% budget cuts
Unite the Union and PCS have launched a joint campaign to highlight the huge budget cuts of 25% over the next four years facing the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which will res
Bromley Council workers strike against privatisation
Unite demonstration Saturday 23rd July
Libraries strike this week
Libraries across the borough of Bromley face another wave of strike action starting this S
Joining Unite and eligibility to vote in Labour leadership elect
Joining Unite the union – eligibility to vote in the 2016 Labour leadership election
Unite is a trade union representing working people in most sectors of the economy.
People seeking to join Unite
HCA Pay Dispute - Members Vote on Resolution
Unite members at the HCA are currently voting on whether to withdraw the threat of further strike action after a series of talks with management addressed a number of concerns that had led to strike action in May.
The campaign has involved joint action with th
Jeremy Corbyn raises housing in Miners Gala speech
#KeepCorbyn #Axethehousingact
Jeremy Corbyn speaking today in Durham “People tell me that Labour will be more appealing when it starts talking about these sorts of things and starts talking about something else.
Housing: the fight will go on - with Corbyn at our side
Housing fight will go on with Corbyn at our side
Britain faces dangerous times after the EU referendum campaign and Labour plotters trying to oust their leader, but amid it all there’s the
Next branch meeting Tuesday 19th July
Branch meeting one week later than usual - NB Changed venue
Our next branch meeting is on Tuesday 19th July – not the usual second Tuesday in the month. As usual all members are welcome, tr
House building by housing associations down
Just 16.6% completions are for social rent
Building by the big housing associations fell from 40000 to 31000 last year. Just 16.6% of them social rent according to new figures today for the top fifty developing a
Breaking news - Shadow housing minister resigns
Breaking news - John Healey resigns
Housing shadow minister John Healey has joined the resignations along with his team. Just at the time when it is vital to build a really vigorous campaign to stop the vicious n
Housing workers support Jeremy Corbyn
Mandate to fight austerity
Jeremy Corbyn attracted enormous support last summer when he stood for the Labour leadership and secured a clear mandate to fight austerity. The resignation of Cameron and the crisis in
Unite Launches 'Work, Voice, Pay' Guides
As part of Unite's industrial strategy, a range of Work, Voice, Pay guides have been produced to assist you, our shop stewards and representatives, in your critical work on behalf of our members.
Unite statement on Orlando massacre
Unite expresses its horror and revulsion at the massacre carried out at Pulse nightclub in Orlando last week, and condemns this horrific act. Our thoughts are with the friends and families of the bereaved, and with the many injured. We extend our hand in solidarity to our brothers and siste
#Axethehousingact
The new housing act will help property developers and landlords make profits but it will do nothing for people who need affordable secure homes. Some housing associations are currently making deep cuts hitting jobs and services while piling up record surpluses; the act prepares the way for
Alison Reinstated
It is is good to report the reinstatement of sacked Unite health and safety rep Alison Morris – you can read about her case here
“Following lengthy negotiations I can co
Access to Justice: Exposing the Myths
Stacks the odds in favour of the employer
A new publication from the Institute of Employment Rights demolishes the saloon bar myths disseminated by neoliberal politicians, employers’ organisations, and the right-wing press on wor
Unite in Peabody reject 1.5% pay offer
No votes in favour of acceptance
A growing Unite membership in Peabody has decisively rejected a pay offer of 1.5% - with NO votes cast in favour of acceptance. In just over 10 days, a staf
HCA: Government housing staff strike for fair pay
Housing Associations: Friend or Foe?
Housing associations have moved far from their roots in Victorian philanthropy and ’60s radicalism, says GLYN ROBBINS
BRITISH housing policy is at a crossroads. Now the Housing Bill has limped through Parli
Pushed out for being pregnant #MothersWork
Pregnancy discrimination is shockingly rife
Two years ago at Sports Direct’s infamous warehouse in Derbyshire, where working conditions have been described as ‘Victorian’ a woman gave birth in a
Unite HCA Pay Strike - Solidarity Appeal Launched
Unite at the HCA has announced that it will be taking strike action on Thursday 19th May and has launched an appeal for solidarity.
The dispute has arisen because the Agency ignored the union pay claim submitted in June 2015 and refused to negotiate for eight month
Inside Housing survey assaults to housing workers
Have you been physically or verbally assaulted during your work as a housing professional?
Inside Housing has launched a questionnaire for housing staff – it can be completed here.
PCS Vows to Join Unite Strike if No Speedy Resolution on Pay
As Unite members meet to discuss their plans for a strike following a successful strike ballot announced earlier this week, the PCS union which is also recognised by the HCA has threatened to escalate to an industrial action ballot if the Agency fails to negotiate within the next two weeks.<
Reach out recovery heath and safety dispute
3,000 emails in support of Birmingham health & safety rep over sacking by drug charity in ‘fire alarm’ row
The boss of a Birmingham drug and alcohol charity, which sacked health and safety rep Alison M
Housing Bill ping-pong
Hajera Blagg, Friday, May 6th, 2016 Unite Live
The government is struggling to push through its housing agenda as its Ho
HCA Unite members vote for strike action
Call for fairer allocation refused
Unite members at the Homes and Communities Agency have voted in favour of strike action. Members are angry that once again their call for a fairer allocation of the pay settleme
Housing bill: the fight goes on
A generation has grown up in a world where houses are just assets for investment. We need to express a vision for housing’s future, argues GLYN ROBBINS
IN THE face of growing opposition, this week the Torie
Anonymous housing worker writes in The Guardian
Each 'investment opportunity' means a life of insecurity for the tenants I help
An anonymous housing worker writes in Guardian Housing network that each 'investment opportunity' means
Resolving Dispute 'Too Much Work for HR' - HCA Staff Told!
Members of Unite, Unison and the PCS protested outside the April HCA Board meeting hours after receiving a letter from the Interim Chief Executive, Mark Hodgkinson, telling them that their pay grievance could not be addressed as it would involve too much work for HR.
Reach Out Recovery: Reinstate Alison
Victimisation at Reach Out Recovery
Alison Morris, Team Leader with years of exemplary experience in the field of substance misuse treatment, was summarily dismissed from her job at Reach Out Recovery on 11th April 201
The Housing Bill has got to be killed
We must restore decent, affordable council housing to the mainstream, return housing associations to their social purpose, control rents and demand secure homes for all, says GLYN ROBBINS
This week my union, Unite, described the
Support the Junior Doctors March Tuesday April 26th
Junior Doctors appeal: 'stand with us'
Our branch banner will be on the march - come and join us.
On 26/27 April, junior doctors will be striking again to stop the government imposing
The Guardian on Catalyst: Half the staff, but double the work
Catalyst housing association has a bigger net surplus than Greggs or Foxtons, so why are staff facing job losses and unmanageable workloads?
Industrial Action at Catalyst Housing
Plan to halve the number of neighbourhood managers
Catalyst Housing plan to halve the number of Neighbourhood Managers it employs. Unite members at Catalyst say this will result in a drastic decline in service.&n
Unite fighting tax scam in construction
Construction bosses in ‘tax scam’ warning amid calls for HMRC to investigate
Bosses at Crossrail and some of the UK’s biggest construction firms are being warned against engaging in a ‘scam&rsqu
New survey: unmanageable workloads in housing
The Guardian: “Housing staff face 'unmanageable' workloads – poll”
HCA Strike Ballot Dates Confirmed
Unite has confirmed the dates of its ballot for industrial action at the Homes and Communities Agency. The official Notice of Intention to Ballot was sent to the employer on Monday 11th April and it will run until mid-day on the 2nd May. If the ballot is returned in favour of industrial acti
New mega merger: L&Q, Hyde and East Thames
Fourth biggest house builder
This morning L&Q, Hyde and East Thames housing associations announced merger plans that would create the biggest housing association in the UK, one of the biggest social landlords in Eu
Bromley ‘in dock’ over victimisation of Unite branch secretary
"...Unite said that these allegations have to be seen in the context that the council is fully committed to becoming a commissioning council and reducing the number of council employees from 4,000 to 300 – despite having £320 million in reserves...."
Health, Homes, Jobs Education! March and Rally
Save the date, book your seat for the march and rally
Saturday 16 April 2016 - London
March with the People’s Assembly on Saturday 16 April in London. Join us to demand #End
Unite at HCA Urges Talks as Strike Ballot Looms
Unite, the largest union at the HCA, has written to the Interim-Interim Chief Executive and Chair of the Board to urge last minutes talks to avert a strike ballot.
The membership of Unite at the HCA voted 90% to reject the current pay offer on a turnout
OHG staff 3% pay claim
One Housing Group Unite members call for 3% pay increase
Last week The Times listed One Housing Group (OHG) boss Mick Sween
Butterfields Won't Budge!
"We Won't Budge" is the courageous slogan of a group of tenants who live in Walthamstow, east London and who aim to resist eviction from their homes, and the break up of their community.
The properties they live in were previously
New report: impact of rising rent & deposits
Construction unions disgusted by
Covers pay and conditions of around 500,000 construction workers
Unions representing workers employed under the largest collective agreement in the construction industry have described the employer’s paltry pay o
Who Tracks the Trackers?
Is monitoring and surveillance getting out of control at work? This question is beginning to concern an increasing number of our members. We are told that surveillance systems at work and in society are there to safeguard staff, clients, and the wider community, but they increasing
Jeremy Corbyn to join housing march Sunday 13th March
Thousands of people from across the country will march
Jeremy Corbyn
Housing associations: record surpluses again this year
Largest associations record £3 billion surplus – up a quarter
England’s largest housing associations recorded a record £3 billion combined surplus today as revealed on the Homes and Community Ag
Construction training cut
Training cutbacks will hit construction industry plagued by skills’ shortages
Serious questions have been raised about the future of training in the construction industry, already plagued with skills’ short
HCA - Pay Up!
"Our pay rise is now eight months overdue ... and so are our members bills!"
Unite members at the The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) made their feelings clear during a "Pay Day Protest" on the 15th February. They are angry at the length of time
Day of Action against Sports Direct February 13th
Unite will demonstrate outside Sports Direct high street stores as part of a second national day of action on 13 February against Sports Direct’s shameful work practices. Why not join in?
On this day of action we demand that Sports Direct:
Islington campaign against housing bill launched
Over 100 people crammed into room 5 of Islington Town Hall and voted unanimously to form a borough-wide campaign to oppose the Housing and Planning Bill.
The meeting was organised by Islington Hands Off Our Public Services (IHOOPS
Housing bill in the news - come to the branch to discuss
‘Pay to stay’ trap will force working families out of council homes
Unite Protest Over Pay at HCA
Unite members, acting jointly with the PCS and UNISON, are discussing what action they can take in protest at an eight month delay to their pay settlement at the The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The HCA, which is sponsored by the Department for Communi
Benefit caps for social housing delayed
Future remains uncertain
Plans to cap housing benefits for social housing tenants in line with private sector have been deferred for a year until a review is completed. The move means a partial reprieve for the s
Threat to council housing featured in local press
Branch member Glyn Robbins featured in this article from the Islington Tribune. Let us know of any press coverage you get in the battle against the houisng bill.
Unite Stronger at Equinox!
Unite LE1111 branch representatives at social care provider Equinox have considerably strengthened their capacity. Two new representatives have stepped forward, membership is growing and through the union they have made important improvements to restructuring proposals.
"Climate of fear" in Gloucestershire sheltered housing scheme
‘Climate of fear’ for elderly over future of Gloucestershire sheltered housing, says Unite
Strike brings gains at big north east housing association
Union members at Thirteen Group accepted a management offer this week following a bitter industrial dispute involving strike action. Over time, Unit
New survey: CEOs get more inflation busting pay hikes
CEO pay up 3.2% in England
UK housing association chief executives took an inflation beating average increase to their pay of 3.1% in 2014/15 while the two highest-paid chief executives in the sector both saw pay increase
Trade Union Bill 'Worryingly Authoritarian'
Bob Kerslake, writing in the Guardian, has declared that the Trade Union Bill exposes this Government's 'worryingly authoritarian streak' - damning words indeed from Kerslake, who has held several high profile local and civil service positions and is cur
Unite in local government calls for 'no cuts' budgets
Use council reserves
Last week the national committee for local government (NISC) of Unite called on Labour councils to set ‘no cuts’ budgets. This is an important development buildin
Housing association worker suffers life changing injury
Broken bones
A Manchester housing association has been hit with a £200,000 bill after a worker had to have a finger and thumb amputated after his hand was mangled by a mower.
Special Branch Meeting - Trade Union Momentum
We start this year with an exciting special meeting discussing ‘Trade Union Momentum’ – a group helping to develop Jeremy Corbyn’s anti-austerity movement. John McI
Calais: Humanitarian crisis on our doorstep
No human is illegal
‘...It is impossible not to empathise with the refugees in Calais. What we saw were thousands of young men, women and children attempting to survive in desperately unsafe and inhumane co
Pay dispute at Thirteen Group
Pay dispute at north east’s biggest housing association group triggers industrial action
Repairs and maintenance to homes managed by Thirteen, the largest group of housing associations in the nor
Letter on increasing commercialisation of homeless agencies
Letter to Labour Campaign to End Homelessness
The campaign have a launch meeting at our union head office with an invited speaker from the executive of St Mungos Broadway. Unite members in the sector have asked o
Osborne eyes privatisation of stake in social housing
Osborne eyes privatisation of stake in social housing
...is the splash headline in today’s Financial Times. We have warned repeatedly of such a move. Unite housing workers will link with tenants and housin
Big housing associations: surpluses up again
The largest 75 housing associations in England boosted their combined surplus to £2.2bn this year according to a new survey in Inside Housing (pay wall).
Pay jobs and services under attack in Circle Housing
Circle CEO Mark Rogers
Circle Housing: redundancies, pay cuts and lower quality services
Memb
Stress awareness day
ACTION ON STRESS
In 2014/15 around 234,000 people reported that their stress, depression and anxiety was caused or made worse by their work. We need to take action!
It’s the 17th National Stress Awareness day on 4 November 2015 and Unite is aware that
Demanding Social Housing Not Social Cleansing!
We joined ASH (Architects for Social Housing) for a protest outside the Royal Institute of British Architects’ annual Stirlin
Branch Solidarity With Turkish Peace Protestors
On the 10th October, a peaceful rally for democracy in Turkey was shattered by two suicide bombs. At the time of posting, 97 people had been reported dead
Unite condemns Tory attacks on the low paid & social housing
Unite has issued this press statement today:
David Cameron’s legacy will be ‘all too visible to low paid workers’, says Unite
David Cameron’s
Architects Protest Over Social Housing Destruction
A group of architects are set to protest over the destruction of social housing and its replacement by "multi-million-pound luxury apartments and penthouses for nom-domiciled tax exiles and forei
HCA Budget Cuts - Unite Prepares to Resist!
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has been asked by its sponsor department (Communities and Local Government, CLG) to model cuts of 25% and 40% of operating costs to meet the cuts announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2015. The CLG itself has already announced that a 'Vo
Housing Associations could implement right to buy 'voluntarily'
Housing Associations told to agree right to buy extension within six working days 'volunatrily'
Housing minister Greg Clarke has made housing associations an offer they cannot refuse: they have to ‘volunt
Trade Union bill threatens health & safety
Government threat to safety reps – get the message out there!
Cross posted from the TUC 'Stronger Unions' blog by Hugh Robertson
The TUC is running a major camp
Think tank raises threat of housing association privatisation
Policy Exchange raise threat of outright privatisation of Housing Associations
Privatising housing associations would be “the most obvious” government reaction to £60bn of debt being added to the nati
Video: Branch joins #killthebill lobby with Suzanne speaking
A branch delegation to last weeks lobby of the TUC organised by the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) heard our branch secretary Suzanne speak from the pl
Inflation busting increases for housing Chief Executives
Inside Housing reveals housing boss’s pay
In the biggest hundred housing associations, chief executive total pay (includes basic pay, bonus and car allowance) 5.5% to £182,780. Bonuses for chiefs of the biggest 100 ho
Housing Assembley South Africa - video
Inspiring video on South African Housing Assembly
A couple of months ago I was privileged to meet two South Africa housing activists on a UK tour organised by ‘War on Want.’
New reports show further social cleansing nightmare ahead
Perfect storm in housing: two new reports
A new report from Savills (see Inside Housing today) illustrates the mortal threat t
Aspire Housing workers strike to defend pay and conditions
Aspire Housing workers are taking a further twenty four hours strike action on September 1st. Members of Unite, UCATT and the GMB are taking action to defend their pay and conditions. Management have refused to negotiate or take the issues to ACAS for conciliation.
Organiser Recruitment: Update for Members
A statement by Branch Committee member, Jon Hughes
Dear members
I am writing with an update on the recruitment of the part-time Organiser. The role was proposed by the Branch Committee and overwhelmingly supported by
Corbyn poll lead - break with austerity in housing
Today’s news that almost four in ten homes sold through ‘right to buy’ are now in the private rented sector (Inside Housing this week here
Bromley Unite refuse collectors to strike
'Stinking dustbins’ for Bromley residents, as refuse collectors set to strike
Bromley residents face the prospect of uncollected rubbish as about 100 refuse collection staff employed by waste disposal giant V
Guidance on Equality Law
Having dealt with nearly 50,000 calls on discrimination last year, Acas has launched three, free equality guides to help employers and managers get to grips with the law on equality.
Another association moving away from social housing
Aster joins Genesis and Hyde in considering pulling out of social housing
A large social housing association is considering transforming into a ‘mainstream house builder’ by following Genesis in ending deve
Jeremy Corbyn launches housing policy
Jeremy Corbyn’s plan for council house building
Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn MP published his plans to address Britain's housing crisis yesterday and they look very similar to the policies that o
Genesis manager quits following abandonment of social housing
The move by Genesis Housing Association to pull out of social and affordable housing (reported here) has provoked discussion. Today Inside Housing magazine has produced this letter of resignation from
Hard Day’s Night: TUC report calls for fair deal for night work
The work-life balance impacts of night working
A new report gives useful information for Unite reps on the housing sector. The report concentrates on work – life balance; see VIEW
Genesis HA ceases social housing and OHG residents protest
This week one association withdrew from developing affordable or social housing and another was censured by residents and a local authority
Genesis Housing Association has announced it will stop building either &lsquo
Alarm bells ring over future of housing staff pensions
Unite has issued this statement today 30 July 2015
The increased contributions to the pension fund for social housing staff should not be used as an excuse for housing association bosses to provide inferior pension provision for employees.
Unit
Hands off our pensions - contribution increase announced
The Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS) has written to employers this week informing that they will be required to pay just under £32 million in increased contributions from next April.
While housing association bosses have been increasing their pension pot
Housing Associations get media kicking
Housing Associations and their ‘bleating’ bosses are getting a media kicking today, with articles in the Times and the Spectator, and a feature on Channel Four tonight. Mostly the attacks are from enemies of social housing seeking a smokescreen for the fact that government
New evidence: shift work makes you sick
What can we do about shift work?
Evidence of the damaging health effects of shift work continues to mount; it is clear that many shift workers in our branch will have increased risk of contracting cancer and suffer other health problems as a result of t
Companies scrap 'performance management' What about HA's?
Companies scrapping performance management
Accenture, the multinational IT and business strategy company is reported in the Washington Post to be ending its ‘performance management’ system. From September this year they will join other
Bromley suspends Unite rep to silence anti privatisation fight
Bromley council accused of targeting union reps in bid to silence privatisation critics
Conservative-controlled Bromley council
Peabody Parent Sacks Board of Subsidiary CBHA!
The board of the giant Peabody Group last week sacked the resident board members of its subsidiary, CBHA; something that many consider a high-handed and unethical act at odds with the founding principles of the charitable Peabody Trust.
The resident board members formed
Second industrial action ballot at Look Ahead Care & Support
Hackney services balloted on pay
An earlier protest by Unite members in Look Ahead
A seco
Bromley eviction halted - case goes to court
Bromley eviction sto