Sanctuary housing agree to talks but scrap bonus
Strikes intensify this week
Sanctuary Housing Association London maintenance workers are on strike again this week and although there are hopes of a breakthrough due management agreeing to attend talks at AC
Joseval vents anger at racist bosses
Underpaid due to discrimination
Being a migrant worker is tough at times, and the construction sector can pose particular challenges, as one Unite member found after being held back and underpaid at work due to discri
Sanctuary housing maintenance workers step up action
Management agree ACAS talks
Members at Sanctuary Housing delivered rock solid strike action and followed that up by announcing escalation with further strikes starting on VIEW
'Let's focus on the fight ahead'
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham in special International Women's Day message
Whether it is pushing equality at the negotiating table by securing agreements on menopause and domestic violence or taking strike
Third party harassment must be stamped out
Zero tolerance
Unite has called for concrete legislation to tackle third party harassment at work. Ensuring employers take a zero-tolerance approach to incidents and produce policies that truly protect workers.
London Sanctuary housing pay strikes intensify
Cancellation of over 200 jobs from initial industrial action set to worsen as more strikes set
Pay strikes by London Sanctuary Housing repair workers are to intensify, Unite said today.
These boots ain't made for working!
International women's day
Later this week international women’s day is a chance to highlight the role of our Union in defending women workers. The report on a health and safety rep’s work below is part
Don’t criminalise homelessness
Unite consistently speaks out for the homeless as well as for workers in the homelessness sector. We fight cuts to services which have declined as homelessness has soared. We call out dangerous dog whistle politics such as the dishonest British Homes for British Workers policy and we oppose the c
Sanctuary Housing workers strike for first time
Sanctuary Housing workers in London are to strike for the first time
Around 50 repair workers, who are based in Hackney but carry out repairs on Sanctuary Housing stock across London, are angry about a four per cent pa
Union power key to closing gender pension gap!
Women face unfair employment gaps
Commenting on the report by Now Pensions and the Pensions Policy Institute that women retire on average with pensions savin
Sanctuary housing maintenance workers vote to strike
100% in favour
The result of Sanctuary Housing's London maintenance workers ballot for action was overwhelmingly supported by members who voted 100% in favour of action on a 60% turnout.
'British Homes for British workers': a toxic policy
Playing the race card
The Conservative Party has been trumpeting “British Homes for British Workers” as a slogan linked to a government policy consultation officially titled British Homes for British People
Sandwell council workers win pay increase
Strike threat wins building workers pay increase
Pay strikes by around 100 Sandwell council building workers have been suspended after Unite, the UK’s leading union, secured a pay deal.
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Leeds housing charity Gipsil blasted for refusing negotiations
Unite to take Gipsil to Central Arbitration Committee over lack of proper union recognition
Numerous social housing employers take a shockingly union hostile approach to staff representation. Frequently this goes
We can’t let the government weaken the unions
Politicisation of strikes is what is motivating anti-union legislation.
Forty years ago, 14 civil servants working in the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) lost their jobs for being members of a trade union
Fighting threat to Bristol homelessness service
ACE homelessness workers in Bristol threatened with redundancy
Seven dedicated St. Mungo’s workers are facing redundancy due to proposed local authority cuts in Bristol. Unite is determined to both protect our m
Wages still lower than in 1997
ONS income figures show ‘workers having to fight hard to stand still’
Commenting on today’s ONS unemployment and labour market data, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
&nb
Protect the right to strike
Demonstration 27th January
Trade unions are once again under Tory attack from this government. One in five workers is losing their right to strike. Repressive minimum service levels (MSLs) are being imposed to f
Sanctuary housing workers balloting to strike
Repairs workers in strike ballot
An important group of London based repairs workers at Sanctuary Housing are balloting for strike action. Sanctuary do not recognise trade unions and have refused to negotiate with Unit
Four in five UK women: workplace support for menopause lacking
“some employers did not even allow simple adjustments such as fans for hot flushes”
Unite is campaigning for menopause and period dig
Manchester housing workers win 8% pay rise
Follows strike threat
Threats of strike action throughout Manchester have ended, after housing and public building staff secured an eight per cent pay rise. See earlier report VIEW
Greedflation: more evidence of profiteering
Surge in profits
A new report has found that a "surge in profits happened as wage increases largely failed to keep pace with inflation, and workers suffered their largest fall in disposable incomes since the seco
Support Haringey striking housing workers
Protest on Tuesday 5th December
Unite members working for Haringey council are fighting for decent pay. In the houisng workers branch we mainly work in housing associations and we send solidarity - if you can make we
Unite survey show women workers struggle to access toilets
Toilet dignity, like pay, terms and conditions, is an industrial issue for Unite
Women workers are still struggling for access to toilets a major new survey by Unite has revealed.
More than 1
Mobile workers and toilet dignity
World Toilet Day: Unite’s Ellie calls on bosses to ‘sign up to our women’s toilet dignity campaigns’
The United Nations World Toilet Day has been observed annually since 2013 and is held on Nove
Strike looms over Manchester’s social housing
Falling pay threatens to cause strike action across Manchester
Workers responsible for maintaining and repairing Manchester City Council’s social housing stock and public buildings are being balloted for strike a
Payment to branch fund in November
Vital work
Our branch pays for the services of a branch organiser who supports reps, 'branch buddies' (lay members who help with disciplinaries in workplaces where do not have reps) and members in campaigns an
Banks profiting off the backs of workers
Profits of the big four banks equivalent to £1,000 for everyone in England
A Unite analysis of the profits of the big four banks has revealed that if their earnings continue at the current pace the lenders will e
Mears recognises Unite
Unite signs national recognition agreement with housing and social care provider Mears
Unite signed a landmark national recognition agreement on Tuesday (October 31) with housing and social care provider Mears, which e
Unite statement on Gaza
Unite calls for an immediate ceasefire
The union nationally issued this statement following today’s meeting of the Executive Council.
Following on from the statements driven and endorse
One in seven housing bosses get over 10% pay increase
One in seven housing association bosses get over 10% pay increases
Statement on Gaza crisis
Opposition to killing civilians
The following statement was agreed by our branch committee. Branch members will wish to express horror and opposition to the targeting and killing of thousands of civilians on both sides of the Israel/Gaza border.
Hull CAB: Unite in pay victory
Imporved pay offer
Strikes by more than 60 Hull and East Riding Citizens Advice workers have ended after an improved pay offer was accepted.
The strikes coincided with s
Menopause at work| A key workplace issue
On world menopause day Unite is demanding employers understand their responsibilities and promote a menopause friendly workplace. The aim is to raise awareness and support members through the network of workplace
reps to ensure employers address the issue of menopause and introd
St Mungo's: reflecting on hard fought pay battle
Light at the end of the tunnel for St Mungo’s workers
The TUC website carried this interview with St Mungo’s convenor Jacob Sanders which we reproduce below.
More articles on St
Haringey housing workers plan further strikes
Solidarity from Unite housing workers LE1111 branch
Housing workers in Haringey are joining other groups of Unite members in fighting for decent pay. Our branch sends solidarity.
Workers in
Sanctuary Housing: Unite reps save job
Procedure
Workers are often “let go” by their employer but they, at least, need to follow the correct procedure. Recently Sanctuary attempted to simply dismiss one of their trainee electricians wi
Unite reps help Sanctuary worker recover unpaid wages
Management failure
Unite reps recently helped a member at Sanctuary housing recover unpaid wages covering no less than five years. Our member has worked for Sanctuary for over 6 years but was denied a salary uplift am
Pay strikes at Kings Lynn social housing provider escalate
Freebridge housing workers on poverty pay despite £3.6m surplus and huge executive salaries.
Strikes at Freebridge Community Housing over poverty pay will intensify from next week. We in th
Unite demands action – Inflation now 9.1% RPI
Food prices increasing at 13.6%
Unite today demanded that politicians act to protect working people from the continued price hikes being imposed by many firms.
The call follows today’s
£50,000 payout in housing association maternity case
Opportunity to remind employers of their responsibility
Greatwell Homes, a Northamptonshire housing association, has been forced to pay £50,000 to an ex-employee by an Employment tribunal.
 
Sanctuary Unite members prepare for strike action
Sanctuary Housing Association recently announced a whopping pre-tax profits increase of 79% to £101.3m but the benefits of this bonanza have not been felt by their repairs workers who were offered a measly 4%! At the time of
Collective bargaining getting results
The Office for National Statistics announced today that total earnings in the three months to July 2023 were 8.5% higher than in the same period a yea
Unite defending NHS pay
Solidarity from St Mungo’s Unite members
Unite members across four London NHS trusts are preparing to strike in the week ahead. The striking workers are employed at Barts Health NHS Trust, Barking, Havering and
Labour is becoming a Nineties tribute act
Returning key assets to public ownership should be high on the party’s agenda, writes Unite GS Sharon Graham
In 1997 Labour came to power during what many described as an economic boom. Without having to do much
St Mungo's: back to work with better pay and conditions
The start of something bigger
St Mungos workers returned to work today having won improved pay and conditions which are a considerable imporvement on the national local governemnt deal. . After three months of strike
Housing workers strike in Chesterfield
Chesterfield council pay strike
Over 100 housing maintenance workers employed by Chesterfield council have begun strike action next week in a dispute over pay.
Housing workers in LE1111 bran
Inflation beating pay deal at St Mungo's
Unite secures inflation beating pay deal to end long running strike at St Mungo’s charity
Hundreds of workers employed by homelessness charity St Mungo’s have ended their long running strike victorious afte
End the dispute St Mungo's Trustees!
#StMungosStrike
St Mungo’s workers have had to strike for over two months now over pay, with senior management refusing to come to the negotiating table in good faith.
The trustees of
Inflation: “Workers won’t be fooled”
Inflation now 9% RPI according to ONS figures today
Despite triumphant claims in some quarters that the cost-of-living crisis is coming to an end, the truth is that inflation (RPI) is still outstrippin
St Mungo’s strike in the media
Close to the luxury yachts
This week has seen increasing coverage of the strike at St Mungo’s.
“Close to the luxury yachts and the calm waters of St Katharine Docks are the head
St Mungo’s should hang its head in shame
Homelessness workers on strike for decent pay while CEO pay rises to £189,000
A solidarity rally will take place on 10 August outside St Mungo’s London headquarters from
Freebridge housing workers to strike
Freebridge Community Housing paying poverty wages despite £3.6m surplus
Nearly 60 Freebridge Community Housing workers will strike over poverty pay Unite said today. Unite members in LE1111 housing wo
Workers still paying the price
‘Greedflation’ to blame for interest rate rise
The Bank of England (BoE) announced for the first time on Thursday that interest rates will stay higher for longer, in an effort, it says to battle soaring pri
London: first time rough sleepers up 12%
Cost of living crisis
A shocking total of 1,614 people in the capital were recorded as sleeping rough for the first time between April and June 2023 by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network ( VIEW
Solidarity with striking Hull advice workers
Solidarity
Solidarity to Hull and East Riding CAB strikers from Unite members at St Mungo’s about to enter the tenth week of strike action.
Like St Mungo’s workers, Hull CAB work
One in five London housing staff set to leave by end of year
Over one in 10 staff can be expected to leave their employer over the course of this year
Ten per cent of housing staff nationally could leave by the end of this year and VIEW
Unite local government members vote to strike
Coordinated industrial action across nations inevitable as rising prices and a decade of falling wages bite
Nearly 3,000 workers at 16 councils across England and Wales have voted for strike action over pay U
St Mungos can afford decent pay offer
St Mungo’s can afford a decent pay offer
Unsurprisingly senior management have been running around spreading tales of doom and gloom! They are busy quoting tiny extracts from accounts that have yet to be audited.
Agency ruling will amplify indefinite strike at St Mungo’s
A recent High Court ruling will plunge the charity into crisis without swift action
Unite has written to warn councils using St Mungo’s homelessness services
Inflation: workers still feeling the pain
June inflation figure stands at 10.7% RPI
Corporations filling their boots with profits
Commenting on the latest ONS (Office for Nat
Unsupported Housing Officers under pressure
Survey supports Unite claims
Overwhelmed, left without adequate support and training, desperately search for jobs outside the sector – this is the picture VIEW
Stop scabbing Corus Consultancy!
Support the campaign online
Unite members at St. Mungo's, a homeless charity, began strike action on 30 May in a fight for fair pay. Six weeks later and they are taking VIEW
Regulations allowing agency labour during strikes quashed
Agency workers verdict “total vindication” for unions and workers
News that the High Court has quashed the Government’s decision to allow agencies to supply agency workers to emp
Sanctuary Housing posts surplus of over £100 million
Surplus 73% higher
Sanctuary Housing’s surplus 73% higher than last year to a pretax figure of £101.3 million. Over the year sanctuary absorbed the financially troubled Swan housing which means the group h
Labour commit to not spending on home building
Huge profits
Rachel Reeves has announced that Labour will not spend public money on building houses. She used the Laura Kuenssber
Unite Policy and Rules conferences
Determined by members
The policies and rules of Unite are determined by its members. Over the next week there will be a Rules Conference and a Policy Conference in Brighton; a chance for delegates to take stock and se
St Mungo’s workforce roundly reject management pay offer
St Mungo’s workforce roundly reject a divisive management pay offer
The indefinite strike continues at the homelessness charity as management’s pay offer falls short
Building a political voice to fight the housing crisis
Every week new figures illustrate deepening housing crisis
As the housing crisis intensifies, how can we fight back? Our branch is campaigning for policies that would make a difference and we engage in
Construction safety inspections at record low
Construction remains the UK’s most dangerous industry
Unite has discovered that life-saving proactive (unannounced) inspections in the construction industry have fallen to a record low.
Unite to meet St Mungos management during protest
St Mungo’s workers stage sit-in outside the charity’s corporate style headquarters.
CEO pay stands at £189,000 while the lowest paid workers get just £20,000
Solidarity with the St Mungos strike
St Mungo’s and the Home Office
Unite concerns not mentioned in review
St Mungo’s recent appointments of staff from the Home Office have once again raised the issue of St Mungo’s relationship with the Home Office. The failure to ade
After four weeks strike St Mungos strike now indefinite
Callous bosses provoke St Mungo’s workers to begin indefinite strike
Indefinite strike begins on Tuesday 27 June 2023
Unite writes to St Mungos trustees
Board must get involved to resolve dispute
At the most recent negotiation meeting with St Mungos management the CEO shouted at Unite reps and told them they were talking VIEW | DOWNLOAD
'Upsetting, demoralising and frustrating'
Striking Unite members at the Regulator of Social Housing speak out in plea to bosses to come to the table and listen
Hundreds of Unite members employed by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) are on strike action all week th
Bullying not addressed by St Mungo’s board
Disciplinary action
St Mungo’s workers rallied today to speak out against bullying by senior managers in the organisation following yesterday’s pay negotiations when CEO Emma Haddad shouted at Unite reps a
Inflation: little comfort for workers and their families
Groceries up 16%
Commenting on the latest ONS inflation figures released today, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “These figures give little comfort to what is happening in the real world of w
St Mungo’s CEO shouts but makes no offer
Four week indefinite strike
St Mungo’s Unite representatives met with Emma Haddad today to try and resolve their strike which is 4 weeks old. We received no offer yet were literally shouted at for targeting Emma
Indefinite strike action at St Mungo's
Callous St Mungo’s ‘corporate’ bosses provoke indefinite strike action
Workers to take indefinite strike action from June 27
St Mungo's: write to your councillor
See below a suggested letter to local councillors supporting the St Mungos strike. Seceral local authorities have pledged support for the strikers as they are shocked by the role St Mungos management has played. This is particularly significant as St Mungos recieves significant l
St Mungo’s board, accountants and reputation
Negligence
This week is both the third week of the St Mungo’s strike and the hottest of the year so far, raising the spectre of Severe Weather Emergency Protocols as the health risks of sleeping
New comments on mandatory housing training
Private funding
In a new commentary on proposals for training in housing Alan Winter, an associate Professor of Housing Studies, points to cha
St Mungo’s: What is the board for?
Unite membership growing
As staff at St Mungo’s approach their third week of industrial action, there is cause for optimism. Union membership is at an all-time high, their hardship fund is growing by the day and
Regulator of Social Housing and Housing Ombudsman to strike
Week long strike
Hundreds of members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, employed at the Housing Ombudsman and the Regulator of Social Housing will hold a week-long strike from Monday 19 June in a disput
Reality of maternity leave in St Mungo's
“I earnt more as a key-holder for Claire’s Accessories at uni”: while senior management rake in hundreds of thousands, specialist homelessness staff struggle to pay the bills
While beleaguered S
Support for St Mungos strike in Brighton
Activists & local politicians join St Mungo’s workers on strike in Brighton
Unite union rally on Friday in Brighton to mark two weeks of strike action at St Mungo’s homeless charity.
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Strike dates announced at Regulator of Social Housing
Five day strike
Unite members at the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) have now set its strike action dates as a full five days between Monday 19th- Friday 23rd June.
In a bal
Haringey council leader calls on St Mungos to settle
The leader of Haringey council has written to Emma Haddad, St Mungos CEO, calling on her to settle the pay dispute which has led to a four week strike.
The moves illustrates the damage that St Mungos senior executives and board are inflicting on the organisation which i
St Mungos strikers in call to London Mayor
London Mayor urged to support striking workers who help the city’s homeless
Unite union demo on Monday, will urge London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, to intervene on behalf of strikers with St Mungo’s homele
St Mungos: Pitiful pay provokes a month long strike
Workers will embark on a month long strike between Tuesday 30 May and Monday 26 June.
The workers will stage a lunch time protest Tuesday (30 May) at St Mungo’s Head Office in
Inflation figures do not mark turning point
Falling inflation does not mean we’ve reached a turning point
Commenting on the latest ONS inflation figures released today, Unite ge
Unite members vote to keep political fund by 91%
This decisive vote means the union can continue to fight for decent housing, for energy nationalisation and to defend the NHS.
St Mungos management: financially irresponsible
Decline
While St Mungo’s senior managers themselves say the organisation is in ‘decline,’ they appear to accept no responsibility for this – staff point to bad decision making, failure to draw
Unite calls for action on work related suicides
HSE must investigate all work-related suicides, demands Unite
Unite is calling for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to be given the power to investigate all suicides where work is a factor in someone taking their
St Mungo’s bosses seek to increase staff hardship
“Remain strong and focussed”
Members in St Mungo’s have voted for a four-week strike. While management
Profiteering not pay driving inflation
Workers becoming poorer
The latest average earning figures reveal that UK workers are becoming poorer as wages are only rising by 5.8 per cent, less than half the real rate of inflation (RPI), which is currently 13.5 p
“Why I have to strike”: St Mungo’s homelessness worker
Four week walk out
As St Mungo’s workers prepare for an unprecedented four-week walk-out, we bring you more stories from beleaguered frontline staff. This time, we hear from three workers why they have no choice
Pitiful pay offer at St Mungos
Pitiful new pay offer fails to prevent month long strike at homeless Charity St Mungo’s
The month long strike will begin on 30 May and end on 26 June.
Bosses add insult to injury by inc
St Mungos workers reject pay offer & question management mission
Massive vote for strike action
Unite members have voted to reject the latest offer from management.
Vote on St Mungos pay offer: Turnout 76.5% Accept - 9.3% Rej
St Mungo’s workers “Why I voted to strike”
Homelessness workers speak out
Last week, St Mungo’s CEO Emma Haddad – who is herself paid more than the Prime Minister – tried to guilt-trip staff out of striking for fair pay. In yet another an emai
Regulator of Social Housing: Workers vote to strike
Unite at the Regulator of Social Housing has secured a mandate for strike action.
Workers face a cash crisis and some explained what this means for them here.
68%
St Mungo’s strike suspended following new offer
Staff continue to sign up to Unite
Unite in St Mungo’s has received a new pay offer which will be put to members. The four-week strike which was due to start on VIEW
Inflation figures change nothing for workers
“There’ll be no end in sight to the crisis until we tackle the scourge of corporate profiteering”
The latest figures show inflation at 13.5% RPI in the year to March 2023.
C
Regulator of Social Housing: Workers face cash crisis
Unite members at the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) are balloting for industrial action following a pitiful 3% pay award.
Obituary: Barry Rowan, Housing Activist
As a housing workers organisation our branch has been keen over a number of uears to make common cause with tenants and residents and we intiated SHAC - the Social Housing Action Campaign - a number of years ago as a network involving housing association
Asbestos threat to social homes
Health and safety Executive inadequate
An important report to Parliament has highlighted the extent of asbestos
Month long strike planned at St Mungo's
Unite blames “astonishing management indifference” for a month-long strike at St Mungo’s
Workers at the homeless charity are struggling to pay the rent but bosses h
St Mungos staff to strike
Staff joining the union
Unite members in St Mungo's have voted to take strike action over pay. The vote was very clear with 93% voting to strike. More and more staff are joining the union.
Magenta Living strike leads to safe working deal
Asbestos safety agreement
Strikes at social housing landlord Magenta Living by more than 100 maintenance and repair workers have ended after a deal regarding safe working with asbestos was agreed. Read about the
Unite wins improved pay increase at Citizen Housing
Unite rejected initial pay offer
Workers employed by Citizen Housing Group have secured a significantly improved pay increase following the intervention of Unite. London Unite housing workers send solidarity.
<Unite to fight pension age rises - sign the petition!
Unite and the National Pensioners’ Convention join forces to oppose pension age rises
The state pension age is already too high – it’s due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.
Unite Executive Council Election
Look out for the Unite envelope
Ballot papers for elections to the Unite Executive Council go out from 27th March. Thi
Regulator of Social Housing in industrial action ballot
Unite members at Regulator of Social Housing in industrial action ballot
Pitiful 3% pay award
Unite calls for Brighton homelessness service to be saved
Rough sleeping on the rise
Unite members in Brighton have called on the council to halt plans to close a vital service for rough sleepers in the city.
Former rough sleepers’ resident a
Sharon Graham for Unite on Greedflation
Why are we talking about Britain’s cost of living crisis? The real culprit is bosses’ ‘greedflation’
These days there is a lot of talk about a “cost of living crisis”, but as Unite’s most
Unite recommends rejection of local government pay offer
Real terms pay cut
Members of Unite’s national committee representing workers in councils across England have decided to recommend rejection of the local government pay offer. Some housi
Woman’s day: 'We have to keep fighting'
International Women's Day: Unite Equalities to host special webinar - Unite rep Monique Mosley tells UniteLive how she took the fight for equality to her workplace
International Women’s Day isn’t just a
Ofsted found housing apprenticeships ‘inadequate’
Worker’s voice
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), which provides qualifications for staff in the sector, withdrew from offering apprenticeship cour
St Mungo’s workers now voting in strike ballot
Rebellion at St Mungo’s homeless charity by underpaid and fed-up workers
Dedicated charity workers who are fed up with greed at the top of their homeless charity while they struggle to make ends meet are now bein
Rough sleeping figures are up by over a quarter
Cuts and closures
Rough sleeping and all forms of homelessness are on the rise. Meanwhile reports are coming in of service closures and cuts. Our branch has repeatedly warned that government policy would lead to a ris
Cost of living - still a crisis
More information is available at the Work Voice Pay website
Inflation is still at its h
Mandatory training for housing staff
Return to professional training
After years of deregulation of social landlords and the widespread closure of specialist housing courses the government has announced that mandatory qualifications will be introduced for
St Mungo’s workers in strike ballot on pay
Staff at St Mungo’s are taking part in an industrial action ballot.
Have any questions about the dispute? Take a look at some of our FAQs here.
Spycops used to blacklist workers
Blacklisting of workers and union infiltration by Spy Cops a dark stain on the police and ‘no stone must be left unturned’ in learning the full truth
Unite is demanding that no stone is left unturned in dis
'Epidemic of profiteering'
Unite reiterates call for windfall tax as big banks post skyrocketing profits on the back of rising interest rates
New devlopment in Hestia LIFE dispute
Poverty pay - some movement
The Leader of Hounslow's council has responded to pressure brought by Unite and he has finally agreed to speak with us regarding the dispute involving Serco employed Parking Attenda
Inflation is still pummelling workers’ pay packets
RPI inflation stands at 13.4%
In figures realeased by the ONS today inflation is 10.1% in the CPI index. Unite uses the
Lessons of Coventry victory
Heart Unions Week: looking back at Coventry bins victory
Our branch gave consistent support to the Coventry bin workers and many members will remember Pete Randle speaking at our branch meetings. In many ways the dispu
More high paid managers at St Mungo’s
Real terms pay cuts for most staff
"Transformation change"
What is the difference between a Transformation Change Manager and a
Heart unions - a chance to recruit
Every worker needs a union
Get ready! Heart Unions week is back and we want to hear from you. 13-19 February 2023
Unite is taking part in Heart Unions week. It is a chance for us to raise the union
Ending right to buy
Right to buy has contributed to a loss of social rented housing, deepending the housing crisis. Our branch supports Unite policy that there should be an end to right to buy.
In a recent motion for Unite's policy conference we restated support for Unite houisng polic
Asbestos compensation claims
Magenta strike
Workers at Magenta housing are taking strike action because they are not satisfied with new procedures for managing asbes
Day Mer earthquake appeal
Emergency earthquake fund for the people of Turkey
The Turkish & Kurdish Community Cntre day Mer has worked closely with our branch and with Unite for yesrs as many members will be aware.
They have laun
Clarion Board member breaches Lords code of conduct
Baron Barwell takes leave of absence from the Lords
Strike action at Magenta Living
Wirral housing workers to strike over deadly asbestos fears
Workers at social housing landlord Magenta Living are to take extensive strike action over fears that new working practices will expose them
Profits 'bonanza' for big banks
Bank of England interest hikes making billions of profits for big banks - Unite demands windfall tax on profiteering
New research by Unite has revealed that the UK banking sector is making bonanza profits on the back o
Unite housing workers branch campaigns for building safety
Government’s flawed Grenfell advice and branch victory in Enfield working with local campaigns.
The fire at Grenfell Tower was supposed to be a watershed moment but change has been slow or non-existent; dragged
Numbers sleeping rough for first time up 29%
There has not been a 29% increase in funding homelessness services
New figures released today by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network ( VIEW
February 1st day of action
Strike
Wednesday, 1 February strike will see up to 500,000 workers taking national strike action across five unions: NEU, UCU, PCS, Aslef and RMT. Amongst those striking workers will be ou
Work Voice Pay
"Attacking the right to strike is not going to silence working people"
By Unite General Secretary, Sharon Graham
Branch motion for Unite Policy Conference
Housing policy
We have a special branch meeting on January 30th where we will discuss our branch motion to Unite's policy conference. Elected delegates meet every two years to set Unite policy, this year the confer
National Day of action to defend right to strike
Support Hestia members striking on February 1st.
On 1st February branch members will join a day of action. Branch members in Hestia will be joining hundreds of thousands on strike including NEU, PCS, ASLEF, RMT and UC
Metropolitan Thames Valley in anti-union attack
Housing association faces industrial action if it presses ahead with anti-union attack
Unite will wage a campaign of resistance
Unite, Brit
Hestia support workers in Hounslow stage week long strike
Hestia LIFE: As the new year gets underway strike action at Hestia escalates
Workers employed by Hestia will take five days of strike between Monday 16 and Friday 20 January and will stage a protest at Hestia&rsq
Shelter strike ends in settlement
LE1111 branch members attended Shelter picket lines and send solidarity to Unite members.
Shelter pay dispute ends as workers receive improved offer
The long running pay dispute at housing and homelessness charity Shelter has
'Dangerous gimmick'
February 1st day of action to defend right to strike
A day of action on Wednesday February 1st has been called to defend the right to strike. The TUC announcement yesterday followed discussions between unions including
Striking NI housing workers 99.5% vote to reject offer
Striking housing workers vote 99.5 percent on 93.5 percent turnout to reject inadequate NI Housing Executive pay offer
As industrial action by housing workers enters its twenty-third
Pro-elite anti worker policies continue
Ministers made a choice about this economic crisis – to make working people pay for it
Rishi Sunak says his government is different, but the pro-elite and anti-worker policies have carried on without a pause
Inflation latest: ‘bleak midwinter’ for workers
Latest figures show inflation only slightly easing but cost of living crisis still remains at 40-year high
The rate of inflation easing only slightly according to the latest figures will be cold comfort for millions wh
Fire Chiefs call for tower block safety measures
No more single staircase blocks
After the Grenfell fire we were told it would mark a watershed; there would be change. But change has been slow or non-existent. The bonfire of regulation has not been reversed. Our bra
Why is Hestia blind? By a Hestia DV worker
A workers view
Workers across Hestia are expressing their support for colleagues in Hounslow taking strike action. Many
Hestia Hounslow – bosses refuse negotiation, strike goes ahead
Community support workers in Hounslow stage protest as strike goes ahead
Workers employed by Hestia taking strike action on 12 and 13 December, will stage a protest at the Hounslow council building on Tuesday 13
Care workers at Hestia Hounslow LIFE to strike
Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th December
Hestia management contimnue to ignore appeals from Unite to speak and have rejected the offer of conciliation from the government conciliation servic
Shelter workers join growing strike wave
3% won’t pay the rent
Fellow Unite members at Shelter have been running lively pickets as part of their two week pay strike. Branch members have joined them – and you are encouraged to get along to show so
First strike ever in Hestia’s 50 year history
Unrealistic workloads force community support workers in Hounslow to strike
Workers employed by Hestia, a referral service which provides adult services in Hounslow in London, will take strike action on 12 and 13 Dece
Supporting the posties
Royal Mail strike
Branch members have been joining the posties picket lines since the start of the strike.
As is clear from this phone in, the strike has massive public support: VIEW
Hestia bosses tell staff to use food bank
Insulting response
Management at Hestia have advised their low paid staff to refer themselves to a food bank as a way of dealing with the cost of living crisis in a document entitled "C
Management refuse to negotiate: Hestia workers vote to strike
Hounslow Hestia LIFE workers to strike
Workers at Hestia LIFE in Hounslow have voted to strike following management’s refusal to negotiate. Issues include low pay and unrealistic workloads.
NIHE tenants support striking Unite members
Workers enter their fifteen week of strike action for improved pay; talks are due to commence this week
Housing workers in our branch have regularly linked up with tenants and residents and strengthened each other&rsqu
Avoidable death in housing association property
Mould
Workers in housing associations have expressed horror at the entirely avoidable death of the toddler, Awaab Ishak in a mould infested housing association flat. His parents complained to their housing association
New reserach reveals fear of pension poverty
Workplace pensions failing to provide enough to live on
New research reveals widespread fear of ‘pension poverty’ among workers ahead of retirement. Unite camapigns for a decent state pension and company p
Unite: workers won’t pay for austerity
Sharon Graham: “As for the Labour Party, they appear to have accepted the economic premise of the black hole rather than challenge it. That is a mistake. We are stuck in an economic straight-jacket. Our political class repackage the same failed approach crisis after crisis”
Hestia still not negotiating
Key issues
Staff at Hestia’s LIFE service in Hounslow are balloting for strike action but management are still failing to negotiate. They written an open letter to staff which fails to add
Two week pay strike at Shelter
Real terms pay cut
Over 500 workers at the housing charity Shelter will stage a two week strike next month, in response to the organisation’s management attempting to impose a real terms pay cut on its staff.
Unite at Regulator of Social Housing in industrial action ballot
Sham negotiations
Unite at The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) are now preparing to formally ballot its members for industrial action over pay. After senior management attempted to push through modelling options on t
Hestia Hounslow strike vote: 'no alternative'
Unrealistic workloads force Community support workers in Hounslow to hold strike vote
Workers employed by Hestia, a referral service which provides adult services in Hounslow in London, have begun a ballot for industri
Unite in win for trade union rights at Sanctuary housing
Standing firm
This morning for the second time in two weeks HR at Sanctuary tried to prevent our elected reps from representing our members. I am pleased to say that Unite has stood firm and
Housing associations: healthy margins
“Front line staff continue to generate very healthy margins
Unite backs workers on NJC scales
Some housing association workers are paid on local government “NJC” scales. This report is an update on Unites position.
Unite pledge to fight for better pay
Unite, the UK’
Hestia Hounslow LIFE workers ballot for strike action
“They have been playing games”
Workers at Hestia Hounslow LIFE are currently voting in a formal ballot for strike action. Previous articles on our website have indicated how these workers have attempted&nb
Workers and residents must not pay for crisis
Social housing in crisis
The current model of social landlords carrying huge debts from financial institutions is in crisis. Both the workforce and residents are being asked to pay for the crisis. Both are organising
Average housing association CEO is on £193,059
Inside Housing survey
The average total pay for a housing association chief executive was £193,059 in the financial year 2021-22 according to this year’s VIEW
Peabody care and support workers demand a fair deal
Executive pay up 18%
Unite has submitted a pay claim on behalf of care and support staff working for Peabody Group which employs its care and s
Bristol council hit by housing management strikes
Unsustainable workloads
Housing managers across the sector are suffering from increasingly unrealistic workloads. Members of our branch working in housing associations share many of the concerns raised in this s
Shelter workers begin balloting for strike action
Management impose real-terms pay cut of just 3 per cent
Workers at housing charity Shelter have begun balloting for strike action after receiving an “insulting” pay offer.
&
Walsall Housing Group workers to strike over imposed pay cut
Union says employer is in breach of agreement
Members of Unite are stepping up strike action this week after their employer Walsall Housing Group imposed a real-terms pay cut on the workers.
Hestia Hounslow LIFE workers move toward strike action
Unreasonably high caseloads
Workers at Hestia's flagship Hounslow LIFE integrated support service are set to ballot for strike action over unreasonably high caseloads, low pay and attempts by Hestia's senior ma
St Mungo’s can pay more
Spare cash but low pay for workers
St Mungo’s rep Jacob Sanders writes
"As a charity cash is
St Mungo’s mislead on bosses pay
Accounts show CEO had bigger increase than frontline workers
St Mungo’s accounts show that St Mungo’s CEO received a 5% increase in pay last year whilst front line staff received just 1.75%. St Mungo
Northern Ireland housing workers strike for further four weeks
Our branch has sent solidarity to workers employed by the Northern Ireland housing executive – report below.
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A budget for the rich
Huge attacks on housing workers and tenants
Today’s misnamed ‘mini budget’ makes huge changes and amounts to a massive attack on housing workers and tenants. Notably housing association bosses reacte
St Mungo’s agree improved travel expenses
Rising fuel costs
Following negotiations with Unite, management at St Mungo’s have agreed to increase the rate at which mileage will be paid in expense claims to 56p per mile an increase from 45p per mile. There
A crisis of income
"Threats don’t change the solutions. Unite will defend our members and fight for jobs, pay and conditions."
By Unite General Secretary, Sharon Graham
Thr
New sense of urgency about the ‘cost of living’ crisis
"We need to get more money in workers' pockets. Now more than ever trade unions must not lose focus on the workplace."
says Sharon Graham
With
Inflation hits 12.3%
Today’s ONS figures show inflation up again: 10.1% CPI and 12.3% RPI. Unite uses the RPI measure in pay claims because it best reflects inflation as experienced by workers.
Growing protests against Hestia management’s anti-union threats
Modern slavery
As previously reported Hestia’s director of HR sent a letter to a number the organisation’s staff
How low paid finance workers won a pay campaign
Low pay is a choice
Low paid bank staff are one of the groups in Unite who have secured a significant win on pay recently. Below we reproduce an account of how they won in Lloyds Banking Group for dis
Coventry bin workers win 12.9%
The long running strike of bin workers in Coventry has resulted in an important win for the workforce.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham commented,
Sharon Graham welcomes pay win at Sanctuary housing
Workers secure 13 per cent increase and bonus payment
Over 300 workers employed by housing association Sanctuary in its repairs department have secured an additional nine per cent pay increase.
One Housing Group – further pay rise agreed
Strike threat
When One Housing Group (OHG) offered a 3.1% pay rise earlier this year Unite rejected this proposal outright because it was inadequate in the face of the current Cost of Living Crisis.
&nbs
‘Charter for massive social discontent’
Unite GS blasts Tory leadership contender Liz Truss’ anti-union proposals, vowing they will be met with ‘fierce, prolonged resistance’
Unite has vowed to meet attacks on the right to
Peabody investigation: opportunities missed
Lessons of cuts to neighborhood management not leaned
Large patch sizes at Peabody contributed to failure that allowed resident’s dead body to lie undiscovered for nearly two
Further pay rise at Sanctuary follows protest
9% increase on top of earlier 4% increase
It has just been confirmed that Sanctuary Housing Association have just awarded a 9% rise to the trades workers. This comes after an earlier 4% in their s
Public sector pay offer: 'kick in the teeth'
Unite responds to public sector pay offer
Responding to the government’s public sector pay offer which was announced on Tuesday (July 19), Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “The government promis
Too hot for work?
Action to protect workers
Members but especially reps should be aware that workers do not have to suffer the extremes of temperature in silence. Health and Safety legislation exists to ensure that emp
Sanctuary Housing: workers to protest
Profits up by a quarter
Sanctuary housing workers trade union, Unite, have called a protest this Saturday against low pay, real terms pay cuts following a below inflation pay rise, bullying, unmanageable workloads and
Thirteen Housing Group strikes off after Unite secures pay deal
Follows vote for strike
Strikes at housing association Thirteen Housing Group, which has over 35,000 properties in the North East and Yorkshire, have been averted after Unite the union secured an improved pay dea
Attack on right to strike
Unite hits back against law change allowing agency workers to break strikes
Unite has condemned moves by the government to change a law which will now allow employers to bring in temporary agency workers to break strikes,
Hestia: staff threatened for handing out union material
Shortly after pay claim
Unite the Union reps and some members have been sent letters from Hestia’s Director of HR warning them that they will be disciplined if they continue to engage in trade u
Unite is winning, we can too!
Shot in the arm
Saturday’s trade union demonstration could be just the shot in the arm that workers need to take on their penny pinching pro austerity employers. This demonstration of workers
Five years since Grenfell
Could not offer reassurance
It is five years since the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower. Below we reproduce today’s statement from Grenfell United representing the bereaved, survivors and the community.
Thirteen housing group: strike to follow insulting 3% pay offer
Overwhelming vote for strikes at Thirteen Housing Group over ‘insulting’ pay offer
83% reject plans to leave them £1,000 a year worse off
Agency worker use in strikes: unions must respond
"Workers have had enough of being told by the rich and powerful to meekly accept what they are given"
Responding to the government’s threat to change the law to allow VIEW
Housing workers to strike: join the national protest 18th June
Thirteen group 83.5% vote to strike
Workers at Thirteen Group, the large Teesside based housing association have voted to strike. 83.5% voted to strike on a turnout of 60.6%.
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Government rejects Grenfell Inquiry recommendation on PEEPs
Advice from safety experts
The Grenfell Tower inquiry has recommended that building owners should be required to produce evacuation plans for high-rise buildings and personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for peo
Peabody caretakers fight for parity
Essential work
Caretakers at Peabody are often told how essential their work is to the maintenance of buildings and the wellbeing of tenants, yet their employer seems to think that some caretakers are more essential t
Unite will confront any further attack on right to strike
Unite vows to confront head-on any further attacks on the right to strike
Responding to the latest threats by the government to undermine workers’ right to strike, Unite general secretary Sharon
Hackney council strikes spread
Hackney council strikes to escalate as parking services workers join pay dispute
Unite members in housing paid on local authority scales have put in pay claims of 10% or more following mamnt years of real terms
Sanctuary Housing: Worker’s protest
Heavy handed management
Unite at Sanctuary staged a protest outside a disciplinary hearing in support of one of our members who is being disciplined for allegedly falling foul of the disciplinary
Hestia: Unite calls for 13.5% pay rise
Just the start
On Friday Unite submitted a pay claim to management following discussion among workers.
We are asking that staff receive a 13.5% pay rise. Me
Peabody workers make 10% pay claim
Following consultation with members Unite at Peabody submit pay claim
The pay claim applies to all sections across the whole of Peabody. This is a step forward and is the first time that Unite have submitted a unified
Councils braced for summer shutdowns as pay strikes spread
Strikes spread among workers on local government pay scales
Councils across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are braced for summer shutdowns as local authority worker strikes spread, Unite has warned. 
Health and Social Care Workers not properly protected
“The best way to remember those that have perished is to build something in their name, a trade union movement worthy of the name. Because that will allow us to protect the living. Unite will always do more that demand just laws - we will lead the fight f
Workers Memorial Day 28th April
International Workers' Memorial Day, held on 28 April every year, brings together workers and their representatives from all over the world to remember the dead and fight for the living. In 2022 the theme is:
Unite brands government Rwanda proposal as inhumane
Unite statement on government plans to send UK asylum seekers to detention in Rwanda
Unite the union has condemned outright the government’s hideous, inhumane proposal to send those seeking asylum in the UK to de
Inflation hits 9% RPI
Inflation hits thirty year high
Inflation has hit 9% as measured by the most accurate index used by Unite in pay claims, the Retail Price Index in figures realeased today by the ONS. Even the CPI index hit 7%. A pay in
Unite policy on council cuts not supported by Labour councils
Cost of living crisis
Our survey of Labour councillors was unable to identify any councils committed to Unites policy on needs based no cuts council budgets. The branch wrote to over a thousand Labour councillors in Lo
Optivo - Southern merger: Unite calls for jobs assurances
‘No job cuts’ guarantee sought by Unite as new mega-housing association is formed
Bosses at the new mega-housing association, incorporating Optivo and Southern Housing, must not use the merger as an excuse
Tax wealth not wages
National Insurance rise: Tax wealth not wages as workers faced with heating or eat
Housing Associations: staff shortages threaten ‘critical care'
Just 36% of core staff available
A survey of the G15 group of large London based housing associations warns that supported living and care services warns that services are threatened VIEW
Unite claims Regina Coeli victory
Eleven week occupation
Our branch sent solidarity to workers to Unite members in northern Ireland who staged a ‘work in’ to
Business and transport failing late-night workers
Get me home safely
Below we reproduce a report of the 'get me home campaign' aimed at hospitality wokers - some of these issues would be similar for shift workers in housing organisations.
Housing association tenants protest rent increases
Refusing to pay increase
The housing association tenants and resident group SHAC has called a protest on Saturday 9th June, Cut the rents, end rip off service charging. Groups of ten
Unite calls for fully funded debt advice
Community based
Unite is calling on the government to invest in community-based debt advice in response to the cost of living crisis which is creating financial misery for millions.
Unite is
Unite responds to Sring Statement: Looting Commission
Spring Statement ‘tinkering on edges’ of living cost cri
Price rises: Inflation hits 8.2% RPI
Inflation at thirty year high
This morning the Office for National Statistics announced that the retail price index shows prices rising at 8.2%. Even the less accurate CPI index shows an increase of 6.
Unite announces first targeted local government strikes
Northern Ireland council workers, education and housing executive workers announce first week of strike action for pay justice
Members in some housing associations are employed on scales that mirror local government (N
Unite statement on Ukraine
Unite executive council – statement on Ukraine crisis
Unite is led by an elected council of lay members. They have agreed the statement below.
Peabody: shock at bodies undiscovered for extended periods
Increasingly remote
Two separate reports of resident’s bodies discovered in their flats after an extended period following VIEW
Unite win on paternity pay at St Mungos
Unite - Success! St Mungo's agrees to enhanced paternity pay for co-parents
In St Mungo’s workers have had to rely on the statutory minimum paternity leave.
That means relying on ju
Unite win on paternity pay at St Mungos
Unite - Success! St Mungo's agrees to enhanced paternity pay for co-parents
In St Mungo’s workers have had to rely on the statutory minimum paternity leave.
That means relying on ju
Unite to stage targeted industrial action in local government
We reproduce below Unites statement on local government pay below. Many workers in housi
Legion of Mary sack Regina Coeli workers
Five workers sacked despite employer assurances they would not receive a decision until next week
Unite question if dismissal was designed to avoid paying meagre redundancy to employ
Inflation hits 7.8% Your pay?
Need for action
Our members don’t need headlines to tell them we are facing a cost-of-living crisis. With more price increases and tax rises in the pipeline we need action, but many housing employers are making
Cost of Living Crisis: Inflation hits 7.8%RPI
Fightback on pay
Inflation up to 7.8% RPI according to today’s Office for National Statistics announcement. This year, a pay increase less than that is a pay cut and there is a lot more to come. The CPI index is
Solidarity with Coventry bin strikes
Labour council uses scab Labour
At our last branch meeting we agreed a second donation of £400 to the hardship fund for the council bin strike in Coventry. The dispute is over pay and workers have been faced by
Housing workers’ pay meeting a big success
Inflation 30 year high
Despite record profits over many years, very little in the way of rewards finds it way into the pockets of most workers in the housing sector. A 30 year high in VIEW
Work in and occupation faced with new legal threat
Threat comes in fifth week of ‘work-in’ by staff determined to keep doors open at Legion of Mary-owned hostel for vulnerable women
Legal action threats served on wo
Sharon Graham: build union power
Unite GS Sharon Graham: ‘We don’t need lectures from the rich on pay restraint’
Energy bills are rising, and the cost of basic goods and services are increasing at a rate not seen in many years. In re
Cost of living crisis: Unite commits to defending jobs and pay
Cost of living crisis
Huge energy price increases of 54% with further rises likely in October add to the pressure building on household budgets. Join us on Thursday 10th February at 6.30pm on zoom (this special meeting
10% pay claim for construction workers
Construction workers pursue pay rise to meet galloping cost of living
Unions, led by Unite have submitted a pay claim to the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) seeking a 10 per cent pay increase in a bid t
Support striking SERCO Unite members at Barts hospital
Serco outsourced workers at Barts begin two-week strike on Monday
Unite members in the NHS are f
Government to review social housing training
Squeeze on training
For many years Unite reps in social housing have been pressing for better training opportunities for workers while there has been a squeeze on day release and other training in the name of cost sav
Unite ramps up campaign to save Northern Ireland womens hostel
Occupation and work-in
As we have reported recently, Unite has campaigned in support of an occupation and work-in to save Northern Irelan
Inflation hits 7.5% with more price rises to come
“Unless employers pay up and wages rise significantly, soaring inflation, including mounting energy costs, will create a cost of living catastrophe for workers. Anything less than a pay rise that meets food, fuel & energy bills is a wage cut.”
Support for Reginia Coeli House workers.
Unite calls on Legion of Mary to meet its workforce and community reps
Belfast City Council has voted in support of workers at the only female-only facility, in Northern Ireland, offering support to thos
Workers politics: supporting anti cuts candidates
“Conference agrees that Unite must now adopt a policy calling on Labour Councils to set legal, balanced no cuts needs based budgets.”
“Conference agrees that Unite must now
Workers at Regina Coeli hostel suspended
Workers and residents maintain ‘work-in’ to save Northern Ireland’s only women-only hostel for homeless and vulnerable
Unite launches of an online petition for publ
Care workers suffering long Covid forced to use food bank
Sick pay: heartless treatment
Two committed Bedford Borough Council care workers are relying on food banks to survive, after the council stopped paying them due to absences caused by Long Covid used up all their sick p
Housing workers branch: solidarity with Regina Coeli ‘work in’
Faces closure
The Unite housing workers branch sent solidarity to homelessness workers in Northern Ireland occupying VIEW
Sharon Graham: ‘We must build working-class power’
Unite General Secretary on her vision for the future of Unite and the trade union movement
It’s only been a couple of months since I was elected to be general secretary of Unite. In that time, I have begun the ch
Workers must not be swindled out of their pay and pensions
Sharon Graham: Workers must not pay for rising living costs with lower wages in 2022
As another report warns of punishing jumps in living costs for 2022, the leader of Unite the union warns that workers must not be swi
Hestia: failing to support its own disabled workers
Unite member facing dismissal threat
Hestia Housing and Support, a social care provider that supports a range of clients including those with disabilities, has been failing to support its own disabled employees and tho
Crucial news for pay claims: RPI inflation hits 7.1%
Highest inflation figure for thirty years
RPI inflation to November 2021 has hit 7.1%, its highest level for over thirty years according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics.
Unite gains recognition in Catalyst Housing
Catalyst Housing has agreed to grant Unite voluntary recognition from when it joins Peabody as a subsidiary in April 2022.
This will allow us to support members through a period of significant change as well as to have influence at an early stage of merger.
The move is particu
Workers require airborne protection against Covid-19 now!
Employers failing in duty
Employers and government continue to fail in their duty to protect workers, especially against the primary route of transmission of Covid-19, airborne spread. Trade unions should therefore adopt specifi
Hestia: Unite growing rapidly
Many services barely functioning
Unite has grown rapidly in Hestia in the past year as the charity has put its staff under enormous pressure leaving many services barely functioning due to staff sickness and high turn
Unite calls on St Mungo's CEO to withdraw false statements
St Mungo’s: intransigent leadership failing to learn lessons of deportation scandal
The intransigent leadership of the homelessness agency St Mungo’s are still failing to learn the full lessons of their in
Housing association bosses get richer (again!)
Pay outstripped inflation
Housing association bosses pay only went up a little more than inflation. This was the angle that Inside Housing chose to highlight in coverage of its annual VIEW
Homelessness workers’ pay down – their bosses pay up
Pay has become an emergency issue
Pay for front line workers has been driven down for years while senior executives pay rockets up. Nowhere is this more acute than in a homelessness charity like St Mungo’s.
Inflation hits 6% RPI
Unite leader says wage rises must at least match inflation as RPI hits 6% or workers will pay for the pandemic
Unite’s Sharon Graham says the union will continue to base claims on the RPI figure rather than CPI b
Latest RPI figure shows inflation at 4.9%
Cost of Living - Going Up
The latest RPI figure shows inflation at 4.9%
On
St Mungos: still threatening worker who called out bullying
Damaging publicity
St Mungos executives have shown no willingness to address staff concerns about bullying and are pressing ahead with gross misconduct charges against a rep who raised concerns about bullying by senio
Message from Sharon Graham - Unite General Secretary
“We need to do more to defend our reps to breed confidence and better legal support is part of that”
Unite strike ballot at Onward Housing and Hyndburn Homes Repairs
Northwest housing association workers begin pay ballot
Members of Unite employed by Onward Housing and Hyndburn Homes Repairs Ltd have begun balloting for strike action over pay. Unite LE1111 branch sends solidarity.
St Mungos: Disciplinary action for calling out bullying
St Mungo's "independent review" fails to
New survey shows lack of race equality in housing associations
Clarion Housing guilty of race discrimination
Inside Housing recently revealed that over 60% of major housing associations have all white executive teams. The VIEW
Branch meeting - Saturday 13th November 10am – 4pm
With living costs rocketing and inflation at its highest in 10 years, you would hope to see our members hard work throughout the pandemic rewarded with decent pay rises. Instead they have been met with VIEW
History of the Struggle for Health and Safety
Special course organised by our branch
Unite the Housing Workers is delighted to invite you to sign up for a unique course dealing with The History of the Struggle for Health and Safety.
Unions call for better pay offer for local government scales
Inflation currently 4.8% RPI
Many workers in the housing and homelessness sectors work on local authority pay scales although their employers may be independent organisations. Members of all the local government unions
100,000 posts in the social care sector unfilled
Unite leader says Britain’s social care crisis is another example of how l
L&Q recruits have posts deleted barely a week after starting
Disappointment and sadness
Imagine the outrage if a CEO of a major Housing Association were appointed only to be told that their post would be deleted the following week. This is exactly what has happened to
Riverside Housing: campaigning to reduce tenants rights
SHAC reveals leaked documents on response to disrepair
The callous priorities of housing association bosses were exposed last week in shocking leaked documents as VIEW
We need to make sure that workers don’t pay the price for Covid
"This crisis demands a response and that is what Unite is going to provide"
writes Sharon Graham
My election as General Secretary last month deliv
Rising anger of care workers in Hestia
Post pandemic exhaustion
Recognising the levels of rising anger and post pandemic exhaustion, Unite at Hestia recently decided to host a meeting for members and staff in general to address some of
Unite council staff support industrial action on pay
Unite council staff ‘support industrial action’, after voting overwhelmingly to reject ‘insulting’ 1.75 per cent pay offer
Many workers in the housing and homelessness sectors work on local authority pay scales although their emp
Fighting to defend homelessness services
Cost of homelessness services will increase by 27.2% in the next three year
Tax hikes or not, social care is broken
Social care worker, union rep and housing workers branch member Billie Cooper has this article in VIEW
St Mungo’s: Unite will not tolerate victimisation and bullying
Letter to management
Unite organised a protest in support of victimised union rep Vicko Plevnik and handed in a letter to St Mungo’s mana
Unite reacts to Keir Starmer’s Labour conference speech
Responding to Keir Starmer’s speech to the Labour party conference today, Unite’s natio
Bridging the Disability Gap
The SHAC Disability Charter Scheme will allow housing associations to bridge a gaping chasm between landlord propaganda on equalities for disabled tenants and the lived experience of many tenants, staff and service users.
Public firmly onside with unions defending workers against abuse
The public is firmly onside with trade unions when it comes to acting to prevent the mistreatment of workers, a poll
Solidarity to GKN workers: striking for green jobs
We tried to transition to green jobs, but the bosses are closing our car factory down
Our branch has agreed a donation in support of Unite members striking at GKN in Birmingham. See report in the bulletin of the
Suspended for 6 months for eating a biscuit on Google meet?
St Mungo’s rep remains suspended
Unite members in St Mungos have repeatedly expressed concern at bullying by senior management a
Sharon Graham: open letter to all Unite members
Unite's new General Secretary writes to all Unite members.
I was recently privileged to be elected by you, our member
Covid vaccine: encouragement not compulsion
Unite repeats its opposition to the mandatory Covid vaccinations for NHS and social care staff
Unite the union today strongly reiterated its opposition to any health and social care worker being forced to have the Covi
Homelessness workers alliance
Low wages
A number of the members in our branch work for homelessness organisations and have reported years of below inflation pay rises and declining conditions at work. Members say if you ask any manager why wages ar
COP 26: Climate change is a class issue
We have had discussions in the housing branch about the increasingly urgent question of the environment. Do contact branch officers if you want to get more involved in that. The union nationally has set up an ‘environmental taskforce’ ahead of the C
Tax raid on young and low-paid workers
Unite calls for wealth tax and higher care worker wages as PM announces manifesto-busting NI tax to fund health and social care
Unite has slammed the government for failing to adequately fill a gaping hole in social ca
CaSWO for Care Workers
An Interview with Billie Cooper, Support Worker
Billie Cooper is a Unite Rep, she works for a charity as a support work
Diversity Window-Dressing at Catalyst
By a Catalyst Worker
Catalyst is the landlord to some of the most diverse communities in the capital. It also has a diverse workforce, with staff from black and minority ethnic backgrounds making up the majority of frontline teams such as Communities and Customer S
Climate Change ...
... And The Energy Price Rip Off!
The recent announcement by energy regulators Ofgen that they are increasing the price cap below which energy companies are allowed to charge by £139 from this October is a devastating blow.
Too hot at work: a union issue
Unbearable
Working in sweltering conditions, whether it’s in a baking shop, stifling office or working from home, can be unbearable and dangerous.
St Mungo’s strike ends – concerns continue
St Mungo’s strike ends after independent review into bullying grievances agreed
Strikes at the St Mungo’s housing charity have been called off after the management agreed to an independent review into bully
Out for eleven weeks: St Mungo’s striker interviewed
Striking since April 22nd
The property services team at St Mungo’s have been on continuous strike since April 22nd. They took strike action after the organisation failed to address serious allegations of managem
Catalyst HR boss’s sudden exit in midst of big restructure
Controversial
Employees at Catalyst were perplexed to receive an email last week from CEO Ian McDermott, announcing the retirement with immediate effect of Judith Foss, longstanding Executive Director of People and Cul
Make sure inflation doesn’t give you a pay cut
Make sure inflation doesn’t give you a pay cut Says Sharon Graham Unite Executive Officer for organising
Sharon Graham to Speak at Housing Workers Meeting
Unite is currently holding an election for the next general secretary. The Unite Housing Workers branch overwhelmingly endorsed the candidacy of Sharon Graham.
Sharon currently leads Unite's Organising & Leverage department.
Greenwich housing workers deal follows strike vote
Greenwich housing repair staff win ‘one of best’ pay and productivity deals at London councils, says Unite
Unite members in local governemnt have secured a significant win following an overwhelming vote
Tenants and residents service charge ‘strike’
Residents frustrated
SHAC is a campaign group pulling together housing association residents and workers. It was initiated nu the Unite housing workers branch in the knowledge that the interests of residents and w
Housing workers support Sharon Graham for General Secretary
Ballot papers go out from July 5th
The letter below from our branch secretary
St Mungo’s strikers protest in Oxford
Striking St Mungo’s staff protest over bullying at housing charity’s Oxford shelter
Striking maintenance workers at the St Mungo’s housing charity will stage a protest in Oxford tomorrow (Friday 2 Jul
Support not deport - new guidance from PILC
Undermining work with people on the streets
Updated Home Office guidance on deporting homeless people has underlined the threat to people on the streets.
The Unite housing workers branc
Riverside OHG merger Unite says no compulsory redundancies
Riverside - One Housing Group merger
No race to the bottom
Unite the union has called for no compulsory job losses as two of the UK’s
Riverside Housing in ‘partnership’ talks with One Housing Group
OHG raise possibility of job cuts
Riverside Housing announced this morning that it has agreed to work on “coming together in partnership” with One Housing Group (OHG) later this year.&
Ventilation and masks needed to protect workers
Perspex screens may increase risk
Call for update of health and safety risk assessments
Ministers have been urged to scrap perspex screen
How can workers report fraud?
Feel vulnerable
When the Social Housing Action Campaign recently started to gather info for a campaign against extortionate service charges, th
Striking St Mungo’s staff Bristol protest
Strike over bullying and anti union management since April 22nd
Striking maintenance workers at the St Mungo’s housing charity will stage a protest in Bristol on Monday (21 June) over bullying and anti-union beha
One Housing Group spin masters cant hide staff anger
Pay offer is real terms pay cut
Recently this website reported that One Housing Group have angered their staff with a pay offer that amounts to a real terms VIEW
London Mayor to be petitioned over keyworker list
Essential during the pandemic
A group of workers have set up an action group called Care and Support Workers Organise (CaSWO) and have launched a petition asking Sadiq Khan and members of The London Assembly to follow
What is Agile Working?
“Crept up on us”
Agile working is often described as an approach to work which entails maximum flexibility and minimum constraints. That might sound good but all too often the flexibility i
Unite condemns compulsory vaccination proposal
Encouragement not compulsion
‘Encouragement, not compulsion’ for health and social care staff when it comes to vaccination against Covid-19 is the best approach, Unite the union said today.
 
Unite call on St Mungo’s to stop ‘peddling untruths’
On strike since April 22nd
Unite has written to St Mungos Chief Executive Steve Douglas today to ask him to stop his organization from “peddling untruths” to the media about the fact that St Mungos mainten
Looking for a branch finance officer
Help the branch – get paid a fee!
The Unite Housing Workers Branch is seeking to appoint a Finance Officer to support the effective functioning of our branch.
We are of
Confessions of a hostel worker
How do they pay the rent?
A recent article on the BBC website caught my imagination as it throws light on how much harder life has
One Housing Group: “Industry Disrupter”?
Holding leaders to account
The Chief Operative Officer of One Housing Group’ has written an VIEW
One Housing Group: lack of appreciation of staff
Redundancies in lettings department
One housing Group should be a not for profit organisation, however it is in fact a highly profit driven. This is having a shocking effect on employees by creating an unhealthy n
Successful Support not Deport meeting
Cooperation with the Home Office
Our branch hosted a good meeting last week on the Support not Deport campaign. This meeting brought together Unite, Unison and IWGB members. The Public Interest law centre and a ra
Resident support for St Mungo’s strikers
Striking against management bullying and union victimisation
Branch members in St Mungo’s Property Services team have been on all out strike
Council pay offer ignores huge Covid effort
Call for 10% pay rise
Unions representing 750,000 council and school support staff across England, Wales and Northern Ireland criticised the 1.5% pay offer made by the Local Government Association last week.
Unite housing workers nominate Sharon Graham
General secretary election
After a through discussion in a branch meeting that heard from each of the candidates (or a supporter in the case of Steve Turner) our branch has agreed to nominate Sharon Graham to be the n
Support the St Mungo’s Strikers – out since April 22nd
Great support
Members of the public and fellow workers have been giving great support to St Mungo’s strike events and spirits ar
St Mungos strikers welcomed by Hackney marchers
Warm welcome
St Mungos strikers had a warm welcome when they addressed the Hackney May Day march at the weekend. Jackie and Vicko spoke at the start of the march.
Property services workers h
Workers suffering mental health epidemic
Unite survey reveals root causes linked to pandemic stress
Ahead of tomorrow’s International Workers’ Memorial Day (April 28) workers are suffering a mental health ‘epidemic’, a UK a
New Home Office guidance puts homeless at risk of deportation
Support not deport Charter
New guidance setting out circumstances in which
Workplace environmental checklist
Some branch members have been meeting on zoom to discuss environmental issues.
As part of our work to raise awareness and campaign around climate change and the environment, the branch members recently put together a checklist that allows members to understand how '
Unite pressing for support for Covid domestic abuse sufferers
Increase in domestic abuse
The increase in domestic abuse across the general population caused by the pressures of the pandemic has prompted Unite the union to write to all 32 London boroughs asking them to instigate a
‘Stop the evictions! Drop the debts!’ Housing protest April 17th
Refugee fights multimillion-pound letting firm’s claim for thousands in rent on vacated room
Unite housing workers support the day of protest: ‘Stop the evictions! Drop the debts!’ Saturday 17 April 2
Compulsory vaccination for care home staff: Unite responds
Examine pitfalls
Unite has urged the government to carefully examine the pitfalls, as well as the advantages, of requiring care home staff to be compulsorily vaccinated for Covid-19.
Unite ha
Tackling employment abuse of Turkish / Kurdish community
Members of the Unite housing workers branch have worked with the Turkish / Kurdish group Day Mer in solidarity over many years. We will be supporting this important initiative.
Unite steps up campaign to tackle employment abuses of Tu
St Mungos management escalate dispute by suspending Unite rep
Orwellian move at St Mungos: management suspend Unite rep for grievance about bullying.
In an Orwellian escalation of the crisis at St Mungo’s, management have suspended a union rep who had rais
St Mungos maintenance workers to strike
Bullying anti union culture
Maintenance workers at the St Mungo’s housing charity will begin indefinite strike action from Thursday 22 April in response to ‘appalling treatment&rsqu
Doctors in Unite: Covid deaths due to poverty and racism
Black and Asian Covid death rate three or four times higher
It’s not genetics, vitamin D, underlying conditions, or lifestyle choices causing disproportionate deaths of black and Asian people from Covid-19. It is
Housing day of action - supported by Unite housing workers
Stop evictions! Drop debts!
Branch members will join housing campaigners and Tamil Solidarity on Saturday April 17th in a day of action on housing demanding: “Stop the evictions! Drop the debts!”
Unite fighting Social Housing Regulator 20% ethnicity pay gap
Strong trade unions are starting point
Over a period of years we have been challenging the housing sector’s record on race equality in emplo
Forced deportation of rough sleepers discriminatory
Internal Home Office reports finds discrimination
New immigration rules to criminalise and deport rough sleepers may discriminate against ethnic minorities, including Asian women who have survived domestic violence ac
Unite slams race report
Race report has ‘extinguished any hope’ in addressing endemic inequalities, says Unite
Over the last year members of the Unite houisng workers branch have become increasingly active on the question of racis
Police and crime bill: what you need to know
Unite organiser Joe Rollin explains all you need to know about the police and crime bill – and how you can fight back against this attack on our right to protest.
Plan to deport rough sleepers revived
Two homelessness charities named
The Home Office has revived its plans to use rough sleeper’s data to deport them according to today’s VIEW
One Housing Group responds to pay claim
Management out of touch with staff views
One Housing Group have responded to Unite’s pay claim. Unfortunately, the management respon
Shrewsbury 24: convictions overturned after 50 years
Shrewsbury 24: Joyous and just day after nearly 50 years of battle
Today’s decision by the Court of Appeal to overturn the convictions of the Shrewsbury Pickets after a nearly 50 year campaign has been
Unite calls for change in law on sleepover pay
Court failed to recognise ‘immense contribution’ of care workers
The government needs to step in and change the law following a Supreme Court ruling that carers, who have to sleep at their workplace in case th
Unite calls for action on violence against women amid domestic a
Some employers in the housing sector have established good policies for domestic violence after negotiation with Unite, see here. However we are fighting shockingly bad practice from other employers.
<
St Mungo’s workers ballot for strike action over bullying
‘Bullying and anti-union culture’ at St Mungo’s must stop warns Unite
Unite issued the following statement today as workers ballot for strike action over bullying management. The ballot involves one t
One Housing Group offer “insulting” 0.5% pay increase
Offer costing less than CEO’s pay
One Housing Association workers are told by their employer that as workers they are OHG's greatest asset. Then they are offered a 0.5% pay rise!
Unite warns Police & Crime bill would restrict righ to protest
Unite and campaign groups warn against police and crime bill being rushed through Parliament which will severely restrict right to protest
The fundamental freedom to protest is under grave threat, Unite has war
Unite statement on tonight’s police action
Unite statement on tonight's actions by the Met Police against peaceful protest in memory of Sarah Everard
Responding to tonight's actions for the Metropolitan Police, Unite has respo
New research: Workplace Covid risk dangerously downplayed
A new report from the IEA, HSE and Covid at work: a case of regulatory failure, contains important material for workplace Unite reps. The full report can be found here.
The Institute of Employmen
Covid paid leave concession at Catalyst Housing
Refused furlough
Unite reps and members at Catalyst have cautiously welcomed partial concessions from management on paid leave for parents of young children.
Although the association had fur
St Mungo's staff deep concern at bullying management
Prospect of industrial action
Unite has raised the deep concerns of St Mungo’s staff about bullying and victimisation in the organisation including attacks on union reps. The union launched the avoidance of
Legal win in battle for women only refuges for homeless women
Significant cuts
We welcome the success of the legal challenge to Camden Council’s practice of accommodating homeless women fleeing abuse in shared hostels with men. The Unite housing workers branch supported PI
Goodlord: Striking for the London Living Wage
Living Wage Foundation urged to end Goodlord accreditation over ‘brutal’ London pay cuts as indefinite strikes begin
Housing branch members have succeeded in winning the London Living Wage from VIEW
Unite opposes No jab, no job’ contracts
“The No Jab, No Job narrative is a disgraceful attempt to create a divisive narrative around workers and the vaccine”
Unite and other trade unions have urged the government to rule out ‘no jab, no job
Worker dies following accident at Clarion site
Gentle giant
A construction worker has died after an accident at a development site owned by the UK’s largest housing association, Clarion. Unite sends condolences to his friends, colleagues and loved ones.
London Living Wage win for Unite at Hestia
Determined stance
Unite at Hestia has chalked up a memorable victory by securing the London Living Wage for all employees. Hestia who had originally only offered to pay the 8 members listed on the griev
Time to talk about housing association pay says Inman
Incentivised by low pay and insecurity
“We need to avoid the conceit that seems to operate in some parts of the economy where chief executives, executives etc need to be incentivised by higher and higher pay and
Sian Berry supports Clarion Housing staff call for safety
London Assembley member Sian Berry calls on Clarion Housing to move to essential repairs only
“As the largest housing association in the country, I hope you will join the majority of other housing associations, c
Housing employers and domestic violence
80% increase
All reports point to an alarming increase in Domestic Violence during the pandemic. Over 80,000 phone calls were made to the National Domestic Abuse hotline in the first three months of lockdown last year.
Hestia paying less than London Living Wage
Staff at Hestia tired and frustrated as many continue to be paid less than the London Living Wage
During the pandemic more and more people are joining Unite housing workers to defend their safety and b
Unite: More concerns regarding needless Covid risk from routine
Portsmouth council accused of exposing tenants and workers to Covid-19
Portsmouth council has been accused of needlessly exposing its council housing tenants and outsourced workers to potential exposure to Covid-19.
COVID: More housing employers move to essential repairs only
95% support for industrial action
Following representations from Unite members Shepherds Bush Housing Association has agreed to move to a policy of carrying out only essential repairs. Unite welcomes this responsible m
Grenfell: Inquiry is slowly revealing scandal
“Almost everyone” affected by safety crisis.
Watching the Grenfell inquiry has been an agonising process for the survivors and bereaved. But it has become clear that fire safety problems are much wider tha
Clarion: campaign to stop non essential repairs risk
Resident support
Repairs workers at Clarion Housing Association are demanding that Clarion reverse their disastrous policy of continuing with non-urgent repairs during the lockdown. Over 200 Clarion workers VIEW | DOWNLOAD
Impasse as Clarion management dig heals in on Covid safety
Impasse as housing association presses ahead with routine repairs, despite Covid-19 fears
Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest housing association, is still continuing to insist on pushing ahead with routine r
BAEM workers 26 times harder hit by Covid-19 employment crisis
Pandemic 'holding up irror to discrimination'
Black and Asian ethnic minority (BAEM) workers have been 26 times harder hit by the employment crisis precipitated by the Covid-19 pandemic than their white counter
COVID19: Clarion Housing presses ahead with routine repairs
Calling for essential repairs only
Clarion Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest social landlords, has been pushing ahead with routine repairs at its properties, despite some residents being Covid-19 positive, U
Put a roof over people’s heads
Unite urges Jenrick to further extend ban on evictions for those renting their homes
The UK has some appalling housing inequalities. Overcrowded and unfit accommodation is too common. Millions of people are struggling
Unite calls for eviction ban extension
Jenrick urged to follow Scotland’s footsteps and extend ban on evictions for renters
Thousands of renters are only days away from homelessness unless the government extends the ban on evictions due to end on Mon
New Guide and Health & Safety Meeting - Lockdown 2021
The new year has brought a new set of restrictions as the country entered another national lockdown.
Emergency Branch Meeting
Hestia workers paid under London Living Wage
“We remain committed to paying the London Living Wage for all staff whilst recognising the challenges that the current commissioning climate has on this and in 2018-19 we were able to offer the first increase in basic salaries for staff in over 10 years.” - Hestia, Consolidate
A time like no other, a union like no other
Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey wishes members a happy new year and pledges that. "your union will fight with every bone in its body to make sure that working people do not pay for this crisis."
Front foot
Unite calls for pay rise for NHS workers £3,000-a-year or 15%
Decade of pay austerity
Boris Johnson has been urged to open the government’s wallet and give NHS staff a substantial pay rise to make up for a decade of pay austerity and in recognition of their role in the continuing batt
Housing association fined: workers suffer serious illness
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Onward housing association has been fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,293.10 following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive. Workers developed
The forgotten key workers #MigrantWorkers
Support our charter
Homeless migrant workers are threatened with deportation under new legislation – we are calling for local authorities and homelessness agencies to take a stand against this. See our charter ag
Stop homeless deportations - support the charter
Thousands vulnerable
Changes to Immigration rules mean that rough sleeping is now grounds for refusal or cancellation of permission to stay in the UK. This will render thousands of homeless migrants vulnerable to remov
Unite Briefing: Impact of #COVID19 on women
Unequal
The impact of COVID-19 has been unequal and Unite workplace reps have been on the front line.
Covid-19 construction guide
Unite has launched a comprehensive construction guide to help ensure the safety of construction workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Important guide
Christmas redundancy shock at L&Q housing association
Profitable
Workers at highly profitable housing association L&Q were shocked to be told of major restructuring and the threat of large-scale redundancies yesterday.
In recent months they
Greenwich council housing workers threaten strike
£20,000 wages’ axe for Greenwich housing repair staff threatens strike action
Greenwich housing repairs could be seriously disrupted as more than 120 workers threaten to strike in the new year over a new pa
St Mungo’s brutal treatment of BAME worker opposed by Unite
Without income for twenty-one weeks
Pease sign our petition here
Female worker comes to the end o
Choppy waters for Social Housing Pension Scheme?
Unite briefing on Social Housing Pension Scheme
3000 Peabody staff covered in new Unite recognition agreement
Amalgamation of Peabody, Family Mosaic and Gallions
Unite has hailed the signing of a new recognition agreement with the Peabody Group housing association today as an ‘excellent result’ for t
Stop the government deporting homeless people!
Crowdfunding legal challenge
Homelessness workers are opposing the disgraceful proposals to deport homeless rough sleepers though their un
Unite’s Unity over Division Charter – new sign up
First NHS trust signs charter
While Nottingham Community Housing Association signed the charter in June, Unite reps have found resist
Unite: should be no pay freeze for public sector workers
Think tank report touting public sector pay freeze ‘an insult’, says Unite
Public sector employees, many of whom are essential Covid-19 workers, should not be subject to a continuing pay freeze from a gover
Fighting to get housing associations to address racism
St Mungo’s staff appeal to new CEO Steve Douglas
Housing associations have marked black history month and there has been much talk of the importance of equality. But Unite reps and our members report a crushing l
Unite victory on lockdown picketing
Right to picket during lockdown secured following Unite legal challenge
Our branch sent solidarity to Optare strikers
Raising Pay and Conditions for Care and Support Workers
The Unite Housing Workers Branch has organised a national meeting to discuss a multi-sector campaign, bringing together all Unite members working in care and support, and pressing for safe workplaces, fair pay, better treatment, and a social care system with public provision at its core.
<Unite backs strike action for Corona bonus
Some employers’ responded positively
Many Unite members in housing have been on the front line during the pandemic. Some employers have responded positively to Unite calls for recognition, but others have been d
Crisis of hunger
As food bank use sky rockets Unite calls for urgent reform of welfare system
The coronavirus pandemic has unleashed a crisis of hunger, as new figures from the Trussell Trust food bank network show a surge in demand fo
Protecting the right to picket
Major legal challenge launched to defend right to picket during lockdown
Our branch sends solidarity to Optare strikers and has agreed a donation. The issues they have faced raise basic issues of de
Facing ‘a winter of shrunken incomes and punishing uncertainty'
Unite GS Len McCluskey urges govt to use ‘every lever at its disposal’ and give UK ‘a plan to protect and recover health, jobs and incomes’
As the Jobs Retention Scheme closes the lead
Housing Association bosses get inflation beating pay rises again
Dwarfs anything staff or residents likely to get
Housing association CEOs have had inflation busting pay increases AGAIN this year according to Inside Housing’s annual VIEW
Deportation plans threaten homelessness services
Frontline homelessness workers oppose brutal policy
Homelessness workers reacted with anger at proposals to deport rough sleepers. Vulnerable people sleeping rough often mistrust agencies and are unwilling to en
Tories reduce winter homeless funding
£1 million less for cold weather shelters
The government announced £12 million of additional cold winter funding to support r
One Housing Group management stop safety inspections
Serious concerns
Last week we reported that, after months of needless delay, management at One Housing Group (OHG) had VIEW
Wear Red Day set to be ‘biggest one yet’
Unite urges everyone to wear the red card
Anti-racist education charity, Show Racism the Red Card, expects this year’s Wear Red Day on Friday (October 16) to be its biggest one yet.
Eve
Management at One Housing Group: unresponsive on health & safety
Health and safety in the pandemic
Health and safety at work has taken on a whole new importance during the pandemic. Members have stepped forward to act as workplace health and safety reps and in many cases work well w
One Housing Group plan cuts to youth services
Cuts to youth services
One Housing Group (OHG) recently informed Unite of their intention to restructure its provision for youth support. Not surprisingly its recommendation was to make cuts to th
Unite reps saving lives during the Coronavirus pandemic
Unite safety rep Moe speaks at our branch
Tuesday 13th October
During the pandemic too many workers have lost their lives. New members for unions and reps h
Homeworking requires negotiation and agreement not imposition
Explosion in home working caused by Covid 19
Unite says employers should reach homeworking agreements to avoid an industrial minefield when turning workers' homes into a place of work.
Outsourcing dogs the housing sector
One Housing Group members fear for jobs
The issue of outsourcing is an issue which is continuing to dog our sector and is another way whereby employers can drive down wages and conditions. Th
Unite demand £500 payment & extra day holiday for risking health
£500 payment and an extra day’s holiday for risking their health working through the pandemic.
Hackney drivers are 'pathfinder'
Unite – responding to employer bad behaviour in the pandemic
Below Sharon Graham outlines Unite’s approach to some of the key workplace challenges we are facing in the crisis. We reproduce this from the ‘Work Voice Pay’ website which also contain
Too Many Employers Do Not Take Climate Change Seriously
Branch survey
The branch recently held a survey of members concerning environmental issues. We wanted to get a sense of members’ concerns, how they felt about their employers’ attitudes to the environment,
Show Racism the red card partnership with Unite
Wear red day
The UK’s leading anti-racism education charity, Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC), will tomorrow (Thursday 24 September) launch its new partnership with Unite the Union in support of the charity&rsquo
Track and trace doomed to fail unless sick pay raised
Majority of workers face hardship if forced to self isolate on SSP
Any attempts to control the coronavirus pandemic through test and trace efforts are doomed to fail unless statutory sick pay (SSP) is increased as a ma
Govt’s ‘scrimping’ could cost lives
Unite slams measly £13 a day for low waged self-isolators
Thirteen quid a day. Not a lot really when you take your bills, outgoings, kids’ school uniforms, gas – not to mention food &
Local government pay scales: Unite members reject offer
Real terms pay cut of over 20 per cent
Many workers in housing associations are paid on local government scales and have faced similar real terms pay cuts.
About 100,000 council workers, mem
Industrial action in prospect at Riverside
Unite members in Riverside Housing call centres are to consider industrial action. Housing workers in LE1111 branch face many similar issues and the branch sends solidarity to Unite members at Riverside.
Shift pattern changes
Unite: new domestic violence agreement in housing association
Seventy hours paid leave
Unite recently came to a new agreement with Peabody housing on domestic violence. It agrees to provide up to seventy hours of paid leave for employees experiencing domestic abuse and to be flex
Vulnerable workers return to work: Unite support
327,000 ‘extremely vulnerable’ workers
New Unite checklist for reps
Sanctuary Slammed on Equalities
Statement in response to Sanctuary Housing Association's treatment of black resident, Selma Nicholls
By Andrew Bindi, Black & Asian Minority Ethnic Officer
Another case depicting the great disparity that exists between p
Unite fears for vulnerable as shielding ends
Worried about returning to work?
There’s no doubt that life in full lockdown was tough even for the most resolutely optimistic of us. Maybe you were a parent trying also to be both an employee and a teacher as we
Unite reps training: Equalities and Covid + Environmental reps
The pandemic has cut acrosss normal training for reps. Here are two opportunities available over the summer.
Following the election of a branch E
BAME representation at senior levels - a G15 intiative
Sector has gone backwards
The ‘G15’ group of twelve large London based housing associations has launched a diploma management programme which it is claimed will increase BAME representation at senior levels
Mass evictions threatened
Cancel rent
The threat of eviction has been a major topic of discussion among branch members fearing for their own homes once the eviction ban is lifted and wondering what landlords that they work for will do.
<Construction site safety procedures ‘inadequate’
Unite won't back Construction COVID procedures until PPE and hygiene failings resolved
Unite has stated that it will not support the latest version of the Construction Leadership Council’s site operating proc
Deaths in construction up by 33% Health & Safety Executive cut
Construction accounts for a third of work related deaths
Unite is warning that the large increase in construction deaths could be related to a steep fall in proactive inspections and prosecutions being undert
Branch meeting: What next for Black Lives Matter and the unions?
Fighting back
Following the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota there has been a huge wave of demonstrations and protests around the world. Many branch members have been on the London events.
Silica dust: Warning to construction workers about PPE shortage
Unite: don’t risk your heath
Unite is urging workers not to risk their health if they are not supplied with the correct PPE.
Silica is a natural substance found in varying amounts in mo
One Housing Group finally honours London Living Wage agreement
Follows pressure from Unite
One Housing Group (OHG) failed to honour their commitment to increase pay for low paid members of staff to the level of the London Living Wage as promised back in
Inquiry into Covid-19 worker death rates call
ONS report on Covid-19 worker deaths increases concerns about inequality and working practices
Unite is calling for an urgent ‘warts and all’ public inquiry into the death rates of workers from Covid-19 dur
PETITION - Pay OHG staff £1000 Corona Bonus now!
Lives risked
Unite members at One Housing Group (OHG) are campaigning for every member of staff to receive a Corona Bonus of £1000 - see our earlier report VIEW
St Mungos: Chance for new start after deportation scandal
New CEO: Chance for new start after Home Office information sharing scandal
Unite urges government to see sense on social distancing
Arguments for blanket reduction of social distancing do not stack up
As the government prepares to report on the conclusions of its review into the two metre social distancing rules Unite, has repeated its offer to dep
Unite’s #WorthMore pay campaign
Local government pay
Some members in housing associations are paid on local authority scales and many, particularly in supported housing, work in local authority funded projects. Our branch gives full support to the lo
One Housing Group staff campaign for £1000 corona bonus
2% increase looks like insult
Unite members at One Housing Group (OHG) are campaigning for every member of staff to receive a Corona Bonus of £1000. Many OHG staff have worked throughout lockdown a
Debate: using police in supported housing projects
Conversations around policing
In recent weeks the Black Lives Matter protests have reverberated around the world. Many branch members have been on protests. It is no surprise that they have been a factor in increas
Housing Association to sign Unite’s Unity over Division charter
Race equality
Unite and Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) will tomorrow (Tuesday 16 June) sign a ground-breaking agreement committing to working together to promote a more tolerant and inclusive
Green Unionism
Over half of carbon emissions are work-related so unions such as Unite have a vital role to play in putting pressure on bosses to reduce workplace emissions. Here, the Housing Workers Branch Environmental Officer, Roderick Cobley, explains why were are now encouraging the election of work
Carers’ Week: workplace carer’s policies can make a difference
Trivallis implement carer’s policy
Unite rep Justin Morgan, who works as carpenter for a housing association in Wales, has become a big champion for carers – despite not being one himself.
<
Housing sector losing ground on BME representation
Need to strengthen union
The housing sector has ‘lost ground’ on BME representation according to
Unite solidarity: Protests responding to George Floyd’s murder
This abuse of power must end now
Speaking in response to protests in the UK, US and across the globe, Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary, said:
"Unite stands in solidarity with all t
Unite homelessness workers warn of rough sleeping disaster
Rough sleepers asked to move in with family
Housing minister Luke Hall has written to local councils asking them to put in place plans to support rough sleepers as the lockdown restrictions are eased. He suggests that
Reducing social distancing to 1m doubles infection risk
New evidence on social distancing is important in many sectors including both hospitalty and also in housing.
Physical distancing matters
Reducing the two metre social distancing re
Workers Uniting statement: killing of George Floyd in Minnesota
We cannot be silent
Workers Uniting, the transnational union representing over 3 million workers across the UK, Ireland, United States, Canada and Mexico is outraged and appalled at the killing of a Black man, George F
Unite: Class & race biggest factors for COVID19 victims
Systemic failures
Class and race are the biggest factors in determining those that have died or been taken ill by Covid-19.
Unite has called for a raft of policies to tackle the ‘system
Unite: construction procedures put workers at risk
Unite has sent an open letter to Mark Reynolds, the skills workstream lead of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), warning that the organisation’s site operating procedures (SOP) are placing workers at risk.
Various versio
Unite: construction procedures put workers at risk
Unite has sent an open letter to Mark Reynolds, the skills workstream lead of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), warning that the organisation’s site operating procedures (SOP) are placing workers at risk.
Various versio
Rough sleeping: with resources real change is possible
Funding quietly pulled
On the 27th March, the Government told Councils across the UK to bring people sleeping on the streets to Hotels. According to the Government this has led to 90% of rough sleepers receiving an off
Unite on COVID19 and the mental health crisis
Millions of workers are anxious about the future of their jobs, a new poll published this week shows.
The
Unite to PM `step away' from public sector pay freeze proposal
Workers are on the frontline saving lives
Commenting on the
Mental health issues top workers' lockdown concerns
A survey by Unite has found that workers’ concerns about their mental health have increased dramatically since the lockdown began.
Proactive approach
As a result Unite is calling
Britons want major economic reform – now and after COVID-19
New poll shows hunger for change
A new national poll on behalf of the Unite trade union today finds a country 'hungry for major change' to how our economy works and how key workers are rewar
A Network of Protection for Housing Operatives
Unite activists from a number of housing associations have formed a network to help ensure that operatives and maintenance staff (including plumbers, electricians, and gas engineers), are able to work without putting their health at risk. They also want to minimise the chances of carrying Co
Len McCluskey on government back to work proposals
You will be aware of the great media speculation surrounding our governments' developing proposals to get the country fully back to work as we seek to take the country out of the coronavirus lockdown.
Of course, many of you have been at work throughout thi
Branch Meeting - Unite & the Labour Party - 6pm on 12th May
We have a full and exciting agenda for our next Branch Meeting, including a very special guest speaker. The meeting is open to all branch members and everyone is welcome.
The meeting details are:
Smoke Pollution: A Call for Immediate Remedial Action
During the current respiratory pandemic, we all take responsibility for protecting ourselves, as advised by the Government, scientists and medical professionals. But there is one thing we have no control over: the air we breathe.
It is a well-established fact that Engla
Clarion housing: sign petition against cruel dismissal
Say No to Clarion sacking of disabled Employee
"Our priority during the coronavirus outbreak is to do everything we can to best protect our residents and staff.
Covid-19 and Domestic Abuse: Join the email campaign
We are pleased to be support of this important campaign
The Government urgently needs to allocate ringfenced funding to ensure survivors of domestic abuse who flee abusi
COVID19: Centrepoint staff want their voice to be heard
Fears and concerns
Unite members at Centrepoint recently met to discuss the response to the Corona Outbreak within their own organisation. Members expressed their fears and concerns around issues
Construction workers now eligible for COVID19 tests
Unite has welcomed the announcement that construction workers are now eligible for targeted COVID-19 testing.
Testing announcement
The announcement was made by the health secretary Matt
Fighting for Our Lives
Open Meeting for Building Operatives and Maintenance Workers
As maintenance workers and operative staff are being called back to work, or are concerned about repeated exposure to Covid-19 without adequate protecti
People still rough sleeping: Read about it, sign the petition
Two articles on rough sleeping and see below for petition.
Homelessness worker and branch secretary Jack Jeffrey writes:
Homeless people still not able to access accommodation
COVID 19 Testing needed for construction workers
Key workers
Construction workers must be included in the government’s targeted Covid19 testing of key workers in order to help halt the disease’s spread, Unite said today.
Unite a
Housebuilding must not be put before health
Unite has warned that there are growing fears that building new homes is being put ahead of the health and welfare of construction workers and their families.
Housebuilding safety
The u
A Minutes Silence: Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is calling on all workers to observe a minute's silence at 11am on International Workers' Memorial Day, 28th April 2020. (See also event details
Fighting for a Corona Bonus
Since the Corona virus epidemic, Housing workers have shown how essential they are to the health and well-being of society. Their role has been to ensure that even the most vulnerable of street homeless are provided with shelter and support, and are able to socially distance in a safe environment
Covid regulations unsafe: Unite launches safety hotline
Regulations unsafe
Unite has warned the government that the latest guidance on how construction sites should operate during the current COVID-19 pandemic, is unsafe and places construction workers at u
Unite Victory: MTVHA Redundancies Halted!
Unite members at MTVHA have secured a welcome victory in the case of two members who were due to be made redundant. (See here and
New COVID 19 equalities checklist from Unite
Unite Equalities have produced a Covid 19 checklist for action. You can view it by downloading here.
See also our health and safety toolkit VIEW | DOWNLOAD
Coronavirus: rights for 'vulnerable' employees
Q: What are my rights as an employee who is in a vulnerable or at-risk group?
This week, Unite solicitor Alys Cunningham explains what your rights are as a worker who is ‘at-risk’ – t
Coronavirus: testing must include homelessness workers
Deadly consequences
Working as a rep in a homelessness organisation I welcome the government’s plans to expand testing to cover frontline social care staff. However, it needs to explicitly include frontline homel
Unite: lack of PPE is national scandal
Unite reps in housing and homelessness are working hard to ensure that safety standards are maintained – in some cases they have been able to work positively VIEW
St Mungos staff - rising health and safety concerns
Five new reps
Five health and safety reps have been elected over the past couple of weeks at the homelessness charity St Mungo’s reflecting mounting concerns from staff about the organisation’s inadequate a
We demand to be safe - negotiation not imposition
Employers must take responsibility
Workers more than anyone are at the forefront of this pandemic, doing everything they can in all situations to kill off this disease and keep us safe. We all want to do our bit to p
Lack of social distancing for Mears housing maintenance workers
Business as usual not good enough
Our branch, along with Unite nationally, has experienced a growth in membership during the Coronavir
Why I became a health and safety rep
Members are stepping up
The stakes are high and housing workers have been turning to Unite to defend themselves at work in the current pandemic. In the branch, and nationally, Unite membership has been
Unite will leave no worker behind
Battle to ensure safety
Unite will leave no worker behind — that is the message workers are hearing as they turn to the collective protection of their trade union in this time of unprecedented turmoil.
Open Letter to Housing Minister: Protect Our Maintenance Workers
Representatives from Unite @ Thirteen Group and the Unite Housing Workers Branch have today jointly called on the Housing Minister Robert Jenrick, plus the executives of the Regulator of Social Housing, Health and Safety Executive and Gas Safe to meet with Unite over protections for maintenance s
Safety agreement for homelessness workers
Saving lives
The housing and homelessness workers of our branch are playing a key role in saving lives and keeping people safe throughout the coronavirus crisis demonstrating the role that trade unions can&nb
Unite opposes inferior construction safety advice
Inferior CITB coronavirus construction advice should be ditched to avoid dangerous working practices
Unite is calling on the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to withdraw its ‘
St Mungo's must pay £18,000 to victimised former employee
Shocking facts
The homelessness charity St Mungo’s has been told to pay almost £18,000 to a former staff member who was found to have been victimised after an abandoned bullying investigation from 14 years
MTVHA: Members Fear Culture of Racism
We reported previously on the case of an MTVHA member, Andrew Bindi, whose redundancy following a restructure is to go ahead despite the change in the jobs market, and despite government guidance on job retention (see
Unite: Social care workers need PPE too!
Vital support
Social care workers are amongst the army of key workers providing vital support to thousands of individuals who are more dependent on such services than ever before.
But it seem
Unite LE1111 in call to support domestic violence service
Urgent action for DV suvivors needed during COVID19 energency
The Unite houisng workers branch has joined with other organisations supporting a letter
Please Sign Our Petition
The Unite Housing Workers Branch has today launched a petition in an urgent attempt to stop the redundancy of member Andrew Bindi at a time when his prospects for securing alternative employment are almost zero.
Unite: Social care workers must be provided with full protection
Workers need full protective equipment
Unite reps in homelessness agencies have been pressing for decent safety standards, leave for self-isolating staff not to trigger absence procedures, and support for self empl
Govt urges 'at risk' groups to stay at home including workers
Unite: extend wage assistance to self employed
Help the million bogus self employed in construction
Unite is calling on the government to extend its wage support scheme announced last Friday (20 March), to protect the million plus workers trapped in bogus self-empl
COVID17: New Unite helpline &
New Unite helpline
Plea to chancellor - UK workers need income guarantees now to
St Mungo's: strike continues, pickets canceled.
Unite calls off final day of St Mungo’s picket lines in response to Coronavirus crisis
Unite has said that it is calling off the final day of planned picket lines and rallies tomorrow (18 March) in the St Mungo&r
COVID19: TUC guidance
We had a good discussion on coronavirus at our highly succesful branch agm on Saturday. The new TUC guidance is here
There are a number of other reports on this question on this website including
St Mungo's worker ‘We just want to be listened to’
Taking action
Homeless people are among the most vulnerable groups in society – indeed while the average person in the UK can expect to live well past 75, the average rough sleeper in Britain will be lucky to liv
St Mungo’s CEO slammed for weaponising coronavirus
Stop blaming staff for your leadership mistakes
Unite has warned the CEO of the homeless charity St Mungo’s, Howard Sinclair, to ‘stop blaming staff for your leadership mistakes’ as hundreds of worker
St Mungos strike: Support details
Protests and pickets
There will be strike action from Monday 16th March to 18th March inclusive. There will be pickets and protests. Confirmed speakers include Diarmaid Ward, who is the cabinet member for housing at Is
Cornovirus: full pay for Sanctuary self isolating workers
Unite raising need for sector to respond to Coronavirus
Unite reps in the sector are raising the need to respond to the Coronavirus crisis and unions nationally have raised VIEW
St Mungos worker: Why I am Striking
St Mungos workers put vulnerable service users first
St Mungo’s CEO Howard Sinclair taken to the Dai
St Mungos Strike Fund Appeal
Workers at the homelessness charity St Mungo’s are gearing up for three days of strike action from March 16 to 18 inclusi
Coronavirus: Sick pay from day one call
Government urged to guarantee sick pay
The threat of a coronavirus pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have exposed insecurity in the workplace as many workers face the prospect of being forced to stay home w
St Mungos: One workers experience of its sickness policy
Serious equalities questions
A draconian approach to sickness is one of the issues involved in the dispute at the homelessness charity St Mungo’s. The organisations HR department repeatedly unite managers, union
St Mungos: ‘No option but to walk out’
Unite calls for St Mungos CEO to step down as strike dates set
Workers at the homelessness charity St Mungo’s are gearing up for three days of strike action from March 16 to 18 inclusive, after last ditch talks,
New Unite briefing on Social Housing Pension Scheme
Housing associations attack pension benefits
Unite's pension advisor, John Neal has prepared a new briefing on the biggest pension scheme in the housing sector - see below.
We recently re
Branch Annual General Meeting 2020
The Unite Housing Workers Branch will be holding its Annual General Meeting in March. The meeting is open to all members and is an excellent opportunity to discuss the work of the past year and the priorities for the year ahead.
New money “doesn’t repair the damage done by years of austerity”
‘Revolving door’ of housing ministers hinders plans to eradicate rough sleeping
The ‘disgraceful’ number of rough sleepers across the country demands a joined
Clarion Housing pushing people into poverty when they retire
Slap in the face to workers
Commenting on reports that the UK’s largest housing association Clarion is to hike employee pension contributions by up to 22.9 per cent a year, Unite regional officer Matt Freeman sai
Making a Point at Peabody
Protestors gathered outside Peabody Head Office on Wednesday 19th February to make the point that cuts to the community and neighbourhood services cost lives, and are counter-productive.
We're sending a message to the sector: Restore Neighbourhood Services!
<EU rough sleepers and the NHS
This report was originally published by the Public Interest Law Centre. Our branch has been active on the rights of EU rough sleepers and we have consista
'Humans forgotten'
Unite criticises report on Artificial Intelligence in the public sector.
Unite has criticised a new report on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public services for failing to discuss the real threat to publ
Beyond #MeToo
Heart unions week: Unite calls for legislation to prevent sexual harassment at work
A strong majority of people believe the #MeToo movement has allowed them to be more open about sexual harassment, VIEW
First home discounts: investment in public housing still needed
First home discounts for key workers must be part of a sustainable housing strategy
Government plans to give key workers 30 per cent discounts on their first homes must be balanced with a council housing strategy that
Rough sleepers bin shelter ‘dangerous and offensive'
Unite calls out Millionaire
A supposed shelter made of two wheelie bins designed by a multimillionaire to help rough sleepers is ‘dangerous and grossly offensive’, Unite said today.
Local government pay: 2% offer rejected
Members of our branch work in housing organisations that are not government departments many of us are on local government linked pay scales and our jobs are often in a Labour market greatly influenced by local government pay.
The three unions representing coun
Protest to Restore Neighbourhood Services!
Join us for the protest against cuts to neighbourhood services, and send a message across the sector.
Peabody plans to drastically cut its Neighbourhood Managers and has done away with the Community Services team. We believe these cuts will cost lives.
&
St Mungo’s staff vote to strike in ‘race to the bottom’ row
83.7% for strike
Hundreds of members of staff working for the homeless charity, St Mungo’s, are set to strike after voting by 83.7 per cent for action in a dispute over the reinstatement of ‘race to the bot
St Mungos: 83% vote for strike action
Unite members in St Mungo’s have voted to strike unless management comes to its senses. They have voted to defend th
Unite supports Long-Bailey and Burgon for Labour Leader
Commitment to radical manifestos
After widespread discussion thoughout the union and in our branch Unite agreed to nominate candidates for leader and deputy leader of the Labour Party. Here our branch secretary Suz
Unite immigration helpline
Brexit concern
Members originally from outside the UK who are concerned about VIEW
Cost of living crisis
Wages would have been 27% higher by now if the pre-crisis trend had continued
The “cost of living crisis” is showing no sign of coming to an end. Only now, over ten years after the financial crisis are wage
Grenfell suppliers request for immunity is a disgrace
Outrage
Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, which is supporting 65 core participants at the inquiry into the Grenfell fire has described as ‘absolutely outrageous’, the revelation that companie
Unite support for Enfield ‘no cuts’ councillor Tolga Aramaz
No cuts budgets
The Regional Committee of Unite has voted to support the stand of Enfield Labour councillor Tolga Aramaz in Enfield who is refusing to vote for cuts budgets.
The resolution ca
Unite appeals to St Mungo’s board
Race to bottom
Unite has appealed to the St Mungo's board of trustees to ‘help rebuild trust’ by persuading senior management to reconsider its position and join last-ditch talks, ahead of the strike ba
Grenfell inquirey: Johnson appointee steps down.
Call for change in inquirey
Following calls by residents and by Unite, Benitra Mehra has now resigned. VIEW | DOWNLOAD
Unite: Grenfell advisor must withdraw
Conflicted Grenfell adviser must withdraw from inquiry demands Unite
Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, which is supporting 65 core participants at the Grenfell Inquiry has written to Benita Mehra, who wa
More concern at St Mungos 'eroding' workers organisation
Engaging expensive consultancy
News that St Mungo’s Chief Executive Howard Sinclair has been corresponding with an expensive consultancy about how to stop people joining the union and VIEW
Unite campaigns to challenge the rise of the far-right
Unity over division
In recent years the far right has remerged in Britain and across the Europe.
Far right political parties and groups are trying to gain a foothold in communities across the
'Jacks Law' should be first step in extending bereavement leave
Time off for grieving parents
Unite has called on the government to extend bereavement leave to those who have lost a close relative or suffered a miscarriage following the announcement today that grieving parents wil
Local government pay claim: ‘We are worth it’
Local authority workers demand fair pay after decade of austerity
Members of our branch work in housing organisations that are not government departments many of us are on local government linked pay scales and our
Unite marks Holocaust Memorial Day
"We must learn lessons from history"
Holocaust Memorial Day this year on Monday (January 27) observes two important milestones – the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the 25th annivers
Working from home: who pays?
Working from home is becoming increasingly common in the housing sector and a recent Guardian article ‘Should your employer pay your bills if you work from
St Mungos: Unite reps say vote yes
Unite members at St Mungo's deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. But their employer has pushed ahead with changes that threaten jobs, working conditions and the quality of services to vulnerable rough sleepers.
Unite is re-balloting members for strik
Bring Sanctuary Care contracts in-house
Local authorities must bring contracts back 'in-house' after criminal investigation
Unite is urging local authorities who have contracts with Sanctuary Care to bring them ‘back in-house’ after a cri
Survey Says: Associations Fail Workers and Communities!
1st January 2020
At the end of 2019, the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) conducted a survey of tenants and residents, asking respondents to rate the service they received from their landlord.
Bite Sized Bargaining: ‘Hot-desking’
Unite members take up issues that impact all areas of our work - not just pay. Unite recently produced this guide to 'hot desking', what do you think?
Unite calls on St Mungos boss to stand down
Email blunder reveals shameful anti union tactics
Unite has called on Howard Sinclair, CEO of homelessness charity St Mungo’s, to step down immediately after a misdirected email revealed that the charity had work
Modern day slavery in the construction industry
Construction must be forced to change practices following exposure of modern day slavery
Unite is calling for fundamental changes in the way that the construction industry is organised and for the
New poll: Mass social rent building is key vote winner
Housing revolution
A new poll shows the electoral importance of Labour’s commitment to a mass programme of social house building.
We need to get the message out that Labour supports a <
When Labour wins.. election material
When Labour wins, volunatry sector workers win...
Download the voluntary sector leaflet here
Unite in legal battle over bogus self employment in construction
Legal battle with Munnelly group
Unite began legal proceedings against the Munnelly Group and several of its subsidiaries in March 2019, claiming its workers’ were being denied holiday pay and other basic employ
Labour declares “moral mission” to end rough sleeping
Impact of austerity
Our members working with rough sleepers have a burning awareness of the impact of austerity. As a branch we have produced material highlighting the impact of VIEW
Replying to Peabody management on 'social mission'
The reposnse below has been submitted to Inside Housing as a 'letter to the editor.'
Businesses "driven by money concerns"
Last week’s column by Peabody Chief Executiv
Unite demands stronger asbestos legislation
Damning report – public put at risk
Unite has demanded the government enact stronger asbestos legislation after a VIEW
Raising the bargaining bar
Delegates at Unite’s sector conferences in Brighton have been meeting this week to discuss the formation of industry-wide responses to issues like insecure work, outsourcing and automati
TheGuardian: Why isnt homelessness election priority? A response
"Britain has a horrific homelessness crisis. Why isn't it an election priority?"
‘When Labour wins we all win’
Labour will transform working peoples lives
Unite’s sector conferences meet this week at an extraordinary time in our politics. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to elect a government that gives work
It’s Time to Be Honest about Housing
For decades terms like 'affordable,' 'social,' 'mixed' have been used as cover for market failures in housing - it's time to move on from those schemes and commit to a real solution: council housing. Branch member Glyn Robbins has this in VIEW
Meridian Water: Call for truly affordable council homes
Halt plans for unaffordable homes - build council homes under a Labour government
Chance to offer hope to those trapped by Enfield's housing emergency
&
Peabody surplus up – but pressing ahead with brutal cuts
Strike ballot
Peabody Housing today announced a £14 million rise in it’s surplus in the last six months taking it to £67 million.
Meanwhile neighbourhood Managers faced with
Pay claim for Peabody Care and Support
No pay rise for six years
Some of Peabody Housing staff in its Care and Support Directorate have received no pay increase for six years.
To make matters worse they get smaller pension contrib
Victimised Mungos Worker Speaks - November Branch Meeting
St Mungos was found guilty at Tribunal of victimising one of its workers for bringing an equal pay claim. The worker will speak at the next branch meeting. The finding adds to the long list of misdemeanors committed by the organisation, including being forced to apologise for sharing data on migr
St Mungo’s apologise for sharing rough sleeper information
Executive still in place after role in deportations
St Mungo’s Chief Executive Howard Sinclair has apologised for sharing information about migrant rough sleepers with the Home Office saying, “The executive
£1 million cuts plan: Peabody workers announce strike ballot
Devastating consequences
Peabody housing plan £1 million cuts to housing management budgets by March 2020 with potentially devastating consequences to residents and workers. Unite members have voted overwhelmingl
Pay victory for Greenwich housing workers
Strike suspended
About 120 housing repair workers at Greenwich council have suspended their strike action (reported here) after securing a
Unite reps success confronting workplace Brexit challenge
Combat industrial problems
Major new research shows that Unite members are working together to successfully confront the challenges Brexit is presenting in workplaces up and down the country. Despite widespread po
Greenwich housing repair workers to strike
Five day strike over new pay structure
About 120 housing repair workers at Greenwich council are to strike for five days in disgust over the way they have been treated; see earlier report VIEW
Housing Association bosses pay up 3.61% this year
Inflation beating increases for housing bosses
It’s October and as we have come to expect, Inside Housing magazine have produced their survey of the pay of VIEW
Equal Pay: St Mungos victimise female worker
Low ethical standards
Homelessness workers across the sector continue to express dismay at the low ethical standards of senior management at St Mungos which can undermine the important work carried out by its staff.
Workers at ForViva housing association vote to strike
Over 90% vote for strike
Unite housing maintenance workers at,the north west based housing association ‘ForViva’ have voted to strike with a 90.6% majority. The 100 electricians, plumbers, roofers and
Greenwich council housing repair workers vote to strike
Pay Structure
About 120 housing repair workers at Greenwich council have overwhelmingly voted to strike as they are disgusted over the way they are being treated, Unite, Britain and Ireland’s largest union, said
Stop the Rot! Open Meeting
We are demanding an end to frontline cuts and restructures.
The Unite Housing Workers Branch has teamed up with the Social Housing Action Campaign, bringing together tenants, residents and workers affected by frontline cuts and restructures.
Arguing With Accounts - Reps Forum Training Session
The social housing sector is rich. So how come our employers argue that cuts to our pay, terms and conditions are needed?
When economic efficiency is used as an argument, management can point to apparently impenetrable accounts for their justification.
<
Unite report exposes Universal Credit
Bombshell report launched today laying bare the misery of Universal Credit
Firefighters important new report on Grenfell
Fire fighters: Austerity and privatisation by consecutive governments led to Grenfell
An important new report from the Fire Brigade Union (FBU), points to the real causes of the fire at Grenfell Tower.
Climate Strike - 20th Sepember 2019
This week, Unite Assistant General Secretary Steve Turner joined many other union leaders when he called on the trade union movement to back school climate change strikes on 20 September. He told the Trade Union Congress:
“Congress,
St Mungos ballot result
St Mungos members:
Thank you to everyone who returned their ballot paper.
78% of you voted in favour of strike action. This is a very strong indication of h
Notting Hill Genesis
Calling All Reps and Activists!
Unite has now announced the date of the next national Housing Reps Forum. This meeting involving all branches representing members in housing associations and other housing bodies is a great opportunity for reps to meet and build campaigns across the sector.
St Mungos: Why I'm voting yes part3
St Mungo’s members share their stories
In the third of our series of first-hand accounts from Unite members at St Mungo’s on why they’re voting for strike action, we meet two more members* w
St Mungos: Why I'm voting yes for action
Why Im voting yes
"This strike is about similar issues to the strike in 2014. The success of that strike has protected terms and conditions since then and we need to stand together now
Unite launches silica register
Unite launches silica register to protect workers whose health could be damaged by dust inhalation
Work in houisng and construction can lead to contact
St Mungos in industrial action ballot
Management walked out of the last negotiations at the ACAS conciliation service. For more about the dispute see here - and for victimisation concerns see VIEW
St Mungos urged to investigate victimisation claim
Trade union victimisation allegation
Unite is today urging Robert Napier, the chair of the board of the homeless charity St Mungo’s, to carry out an immediate investigation into an allegation of victimisat
Strike ballot at St Mungos
STRIKE BALLOT AT ST MUNGO'S HOMELESS CHARITY AS ACAS TALKS FAIL
Unite has expressed disappointment at the collapse of talks at ACAS to resolve the dispute over the changes to terms and conditions at the St Mungo
Mark Francois MP to Raise Unite @ Sanctuary Issues
Mark Francois MP has agreed to raise the detrimental contract changes being threatened by Sanctuary Care on behalf of our members working in the service.
On the 2nd July, reps and branch officers went to meet with Clive Efford MP who agreed to write to Sanctuary stressi
Unite wins paid time off for Peabody worker
Threatened with weapon
Peabody Unite were recently successful in obtaining paid time off for an operative working in an area of the business treated as a subsidiary and therefore where no sick pay is paid.
&n
Peabody Reps Win Safety Victory!
Unite reps at Peabody have successfully challenged the practice of refusing paid sickness leave for operatives in a case that clearly demonstrates the empowerment of staff through an organised union.
The member concerned was an operative working in an area of the b
St Mungos: further talks
Unite in further Acas talks with homeless charity St Mungo’s after no progress is made
A second round of talks aimed at resolving a long running dispute between the UK and Ireland’s largest unio
Grave concerns about leadership of homelessness agencies
Deportations
Unite housing workers welcome reports that some Labour councils are VIEW
Next Steps for Unite @ Centrepoint
Unite @ Centrepoint is consulting members on the next stages in its pay campaign.
Unite have been negotiating with Centrepoint management over a period of time regarding the annual cost of living award. Despite all efforts negotiators were unable to reach
Unite Deputation to Greenwich Councillors
Camila, Theresa, Comfort, Julie and Yvette were the five workers from Sanctuary Care who visited Councillor Babatola on Saturday 6th July as part of Unite's campaign to scupper Sanctaury's attempt to cut their terms and conditions. They were the five incredibles, five women who refus
Branch Summer Social 2019
We are delighted to announce details of our Branch's 2019 Summer Social. Please join us for food, drink, and lots of good chat!
August Soc
St Mungos: talks to avoid strike action.
Unite in crunch talks with homeless charity St Mungo’s to avoid strike vote
Crunch talks between Unite and the homeless charity St Mungo’s are set to take place tomorrow (Friday 12 July) at the conciliation service Acas i
Next Branch Meeting - Tuesday 9th July
Please come along and tell us about the issues for members in your workplace; we can discuss strategies, and identify branch support:
Unite joins new campaign to end sexual harassment at work
Sexual harassment rife
Unite has joined the TUC and an alliance of other unions, charities and women’s rights groups in a new campaign to end sexual harassment in the workplace.
The lau
Cautious welcome to new CITB bricklaying training scheme
Unite, the construction union, has given a cautious welcome to a new initiative by the Construction industry Training board (CITB) designed to help ensure trainee bricklayers gain the
Sanctuary Care Members Meet Clive Efford MP
Representatives from three Sanctuary Care homes in Greenwich met with Clive Efford MP to outline grave concerns about proposed cuts to their working conditions which they believed would also be detrimental to the vulnerable residents they care for. Also present were the Branch Secretary and
New survey finds stress epidemic amongst housing workers
Burnt out, undervalued and poorly paid
A new survey of housing association workers has revealed an epidemic of work-related stress among staff who feel burned out, undervalued and poorly paid.
<
BAME workers discipined by St Mungos
Deepening problem
When Unite looks at figures for disciplinaries we almost always find more frequent use of disciplinary procedures and higher penalties being doled out to black and minority ethnic workers. Where a dr
Unite @ Sanctuary Members Update
Members working at Sanctuary Care have received a letter from Sanctuary management stating, among other things, that:
-
the consultation
Concern at treatment of Unite rep at St Mungos
Targeting the convenor: full support from the branch
The leadership team at St. Mungo's is targeting the Lead Unite Convenor at St Mungo’s in an attempt to intimidate and restrict Uni
Grenfell Anniversary Event - 14th June
The Unite Housing Branch and the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) will participate in the Grenfell anniversary event on the 14th June.
Calling All Unite Sanctuary Members!
Sanctuary Housing Group has continued with its plan to reward long-serving, hard-working frontline staff, who care for vulnerable residents and service users, by threatening to cut their pay, terms and conditions.
Our Unite @ Sanctuary members are uncowed, and gearing u
BBC Panorama’s ‘Crisis in Care’
Unite statement on Panorama's 'Crisis in Care' programme
Reacting to BBC Panorama's programme broadcast last night (Wednesday, 29 May) Gail Cartmail, Unite's assistant general secretary for the pub
Preventing violence: Unite calls for statutory duty
Tackling serious violence needs real investment in preventative services!
Unite has submitted its response to the Home Office's draft plans for a new legal duty to
St Mungos update
Unite in St Mungos
While the need for homelessness services continues to rise, the management in some of the providers have been acting like commercial organisations seekin
Transforming the estate I work in
The current issue of Tribune carries this article in which a branch member and housing manager describes the transformation of the estate where he works as the area is rebranded tech city.
The neoliberal city
Housing association cuts hours with no loss of pay
Welcome contrast
A London housing association is to cut working hours with no loss of pay, bucking the trend in social housing.
Unrealistic workloads and mou
Unite @ Centrepoint Pay Survey Now Open!
Unite @ Centrepoint has launched a survey of members to consult on the latest offer from the executive, and find out whether members will agree to strike action if the organisation doesn't improve on
RPI inflation hits 3.0%
Pay falling behind
“The recent jump in the retail prices index (RPI) to 3% means that pay awards are falling slightly behind inflation, according to analysis by XpertHR” reports VIEW
Voices need to be heard - youth service cuts
The young and people supporting them must be recognised
This blog was written by Orintha Lloyd as part of her work experience with Unite and clearly demonstrates that young people nee
70% of LGBT people sexually harassed at work - join the union!
70% of LGBT people sexually harassed at work - join the union, contact your Unite reps
Peabody's well known Community Safety Team threatened
Domestic violence service threatened
Staff were shocked last weel to hear of brutal and sudden cuts at Peabody housing. In a move taken in great haste and without proper consultation, amangement are seeking to close do
Blacklisting: 'Historic' settlement
Unite secures million pound plus legal settlement
Unite has settled its current long running blacklisting case against the construction companies who systematically ruined the lives of their workers.
Sanctuary Care staff bullied by managers
Manager ripped up leaflets
Staff in care homes managed by Sanctuary Care in Greenwich have been threatened and bullied by managers in a crude response to discontent at the housing association’s p
Unite wins big equal pay payout
£150,000 equal pay victory lifts lid on pay inequality at Royal Bank of Scotland
In housing associations Unite has opposed the move toward spot salaries and away from ‘the rate for the job’ and p
Labour homelessness campaign launch
Rotten System
Branch members joined the crowd at the launch of the Labour Homelessness campaign last night. We heard Owen Jones describe homelessness a
Unite Meets with Sanctuary Care Managers
We met today with two representatives of Sanctuary Care's management. Two elected representatives from the Greenwich care homes were present, as well as two officers
Rochdale housing workers to vote for strike action over low pay
Huge pay cuts
The 170 plus members of Unite, employed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), have seen their pay cut by 21.7 per cent in recent years, as a result of a series of pay freezes and below inflation pay increases. The hous
Centrepoint pay cut rejected
Centrepoint management offer real terms pay cut
Management at the homelessness agency Centrepoint offered their workers a real terms pay cut at a meeting with Unite last week. This would be the t
Lobby Greenwich Council - 15th May - Support Sanctuary Members
Please join our lobby of Greenwich council in support of Unite Sanctuary members.
We will be asking councillors to prevent Sanctuary’s executive from making severe cuts to care workers’ pay and conditions. Our members provide essential care services to vulne
Rough sleeping cuts: agencies should work with Unite
Spending on rough sleeping halved since 2010
Spending on single homeless people has more than halved since 2010 while rough sleeping has risen by 165% since 2010. No one should be surprised that deaths of homeles
Sanctuary Members: No Surrender! More Action!
18 April 2019
What better way to end the bank holiday week than with a packed and resolute meeting of our Sanctuary Care workers demanding that if the employer doesn't meet their demands, we move to ballot for strike action.
Hypocritical housing associations
Turning up the heat on hypocritical housing associations
Our branch secretary and Executive Council member Suzanne Muna writes in today's VIEW
Brexit on our terms
Trade unionists are not bystanders to the industrial impact of Brexit
We discussed the Unite reponse to Brexit at our branch recently includi
Unite and SME construction firms agree 2.75% pay rise
Comes in to effect June 2019
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) has agreed a one-year deal involving a 2.75 per cent pay rise to come into effect in June 2019. This is a result of the succ
Too stressed to work
Rise in stress driven by poor management according the HR managers professional organisation
A new report from the professional body for HR managers confirms the experience of Unite reps in housing associations; st
Sanctuary Care - Next Meeting Date
Our members in Sanctuary are determined to fight back against cuts to their terms and conditions. Our members care for vulnerable and elderly clients, but are now discovering that Sanctuary doesn't care about them.
The previous angry an
Women's Lives Matter - Branch Discussion - 9th April 2019
We are delighted to announce that we have a Special Guest Speaker, Sarah Sachs-Eldridge, for our April Branch Meeting. Sarah will be outlining why the 'Women's Lives Matter' campaign is relevant to both men and women within our branch. The meeting details are:
Unions demand 5% pay increase for Peabody workers
Pay up Peabody
Despite bumper surpluses housing workers at Peabody have repeatedly suffered real terms pay cuts. Now they are saying “enough is enough." Below is the text of a Unite leaflet. Peab
Spy cop unmasked
Identity of former spy cop who spied on activists revealed
The issue of undercover police working undercover in legitimate camapigns and trade unions raises fundamental democratic issues. Our branch has been a s
Slamming Slumlords and Bullying Bosses
On May Day, after we have marched proudly alongside comrades from across the trade union and socialist movement, we will make our way to a picket of the UK Housing Industry awards which will be taking place inside the Grosvenor Hotel. Everyone is invited to join us: 6pm,&
Kate Davies questioned by Notting Hill Genesis staff
Housing Association senior managers part of corporate machine
Newly formed mega housing association Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) held its Corporate Strategy Event on 21st March. The purpose of the event
Unite on construction apprenticeships
More needs to be done
Unite has warned that proposals by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) to give the official titles of craftsperson and master craftsperson to workers who undertake an apprenticeship, published yest
Latest RPI figure shows inflation at 2.5%
Cost of Living - Going Up
The retail price index is the inflation measure that Unite believes best reflects real costs.
The latest RPI figure shows inflation at 2.5%
On 13 February the UK Government’s Office for National
Channel 4 expose Sanctuary - they are also attacking staff
We often point out that housing associations that treat staff badly also tend to treat their residendents badly. Channel Four Dispatches recently reported on Sanctuary Housing Group's failings towards tenants; our members in Greenwich care homes also feel badly treated.
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Mitie industrial relations mess
Mitie in industrial relations mess and should be barred from Interserve contracts, says Unite
Unite is warning that outsourcing giant Mitie should be barred from acquiring contracts from Interserve d
Mears and Mitie housing workers gear up for industrial action
Housing maintenance workers in housing associations will support this dispute. Housing associations concede that poor repairs performance is a major issue for residents and recognise that labour shortages linked to Brexit are a 'threat' to their business plans - but do not always reco
Time off for family and dependants
'Work Voice Pay monthly' from Unite contains regular 'bite size' suggestions for bargaining. Are you taking up work life balance with members where you work? Let us know what you think and read the short guide below.
Winning in the Workplace Training - Sat 30th March 2019
Session Aims
Whenever we’re in dispute with the bosses, whether over pay, changed shifts, or the failure to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, a campaign always dramatically increases our chances of winning.
The Alternative Housing Awards 2019
The Alternative Housing Awards 2019 will take place on Wednesday 1st May, 6pm, at the Grosvenor Hotel - the home of exclusivity and privilege. It will coincide with the industry housing awards being presented in comfort and style inside.
Women hardest hit by cuts
Women relying on council services face a triple whammy from central Government cuts to local government funding
We are fighting back but women workers are amongst the hardest hit by austerity. Our bra
Branch Annual General Meeting 2019
It's that time of year again - the Annual General Meeting is upon us. For those unfamiliar with our processes, this is our collective opportunity to review how we got on in 2018/19 and decide how we want to progress in 2019/20. We also elect the Branch Committe, the group of activists
Catalyst: Pay, Union Recognition, Childcare & Equality
Detailed pay claim
Unite members in Catalyst housing have conducted a wide reaching consultation on their pay claim – that will be true of many workplaces in our branch.
Reps are prepa
Unite to force blacklisting boss back in court
Tenth anniversary of scandal
Unite is closing in on forcing Cullum McAlpine, one of the key architects behind the industrial scale blacklisting of construction workers, to account for his actions in court. The legal de
Councils should set 'no cuts' budgets
Lobby Enfield Council to stop Tory cuts Wednesday 27th February
Our members jobs are threatened by local authority jobs and the cuts have a drastic effect on services including VIEW
Housing support cuts lead to increased rough sleeping
St Mungo’s report produced in response to government strategy
Rough sleeping is on the rise because of austerity and specifically because of cuts in housing services. Jack Jeffrey, a branch member work
Unite’s new period dignity fight is making great inroads
"No need to secretly scurry"
Since Unite’s Period Dignity campaign national launch last September, the initiative has seen a series of successes among business both small and large
L&Q deny staff their bonus
£190m surplus this year
London housing association L&Q angered staff last week when it announced it would not pay them a bonus this year following an announcement that its projected surplus would be cut by &p
Unite demands full benefits for construction workers
Construction industry must get its house in order on worker benefits
Unite is launching a campaign to ensure that all workers in the industry, regardless of their employment status or where their e
‘Remember the past’
Unite, has launched an exciting new history project aimed at engaging directly with a new generation of workers and activists.
In praise of housing workers
Fundamental change
With the Moore-Bick inquiry adjourned indefinitely and many families still in temporary accommodation, 20 months on, Justice for Grenfell seems a long way off. Branch member Glyn Robbins wrote th
February Branch Meeting & Support for the Stansted 15
Our February Branch meeting is packed with important updates and decisions, with several motions being presented and we hope to include a special guest speaker from the Stansted 15.
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Burnout nation
Majority of British workers do not take their full holiday entitlement
Branch members report working longer than contracted hours and being unable to take annual leave. A new survey shows this is a problem across t
‘Proud to help out’
Unite HQ opens its doors to rough sleepers on coldest night of the year
Unite regional officer Tabusam Ahmed... thanked St Mungo’s staff, whose job sec
SHAC Linking housing workers and residents
100% vote for strike action
There was a good turnout on a freezing wet Tuesday evening for the latest SHAC open meeting this week. Stemming from an initiative by the Uni
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 s
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
Unite Health & Safety bulletin
New accident bookThe HSE has published a second
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 base
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
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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.
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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
VIEW
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 H
Catalyst attempting to ram through reorganisation
Environmental services: redundancies threatened
Union busting Housing Association, Catalyst have recently announced plans to reorganise th
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 pe
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
Pol
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
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 l
‘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 eq
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 de
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 emp
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.
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
Grenfell Tower Independent inquiry plea
Unite concerns over tenants’ fears ignored
Ryan Fletcher cross posted from Unite Live
Successive housing minist
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 Informati
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 sha
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 Le
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 f
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 squeezin
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 ar
‘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 c
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 Swee
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.
&nbs
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, Uni
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).&nbs
Pay jobs and services under attack in Circle Housing
Circle CEO Mark Rogers
Circle Housing: redundancies, pay cuts and lower quality services
Mem
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 p
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
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 sec
Bromley eviction halted - case goes to court
Bromley eviction stopped: Battle of diabetic ‘facing £51,000 council tax bill’ now goes to court on 21 July
The case of a Bromley insulin dependent diabetic, who faces eviction after wrongly being charged a total of £51,000 for h
Unite opposes cruel eviction
Eviction threat to diabetic ‘facing £51,000 council tax bill is cruel’, says Unite
The attempted eviction of a Bromley insulin dependent diabetic, who looks after his severely disabled daughter and was wrongly charged a total of £
Open Event for Unite Members in the Not for Profit Sector
Are you a member of Unite working in in the voluntary or not for profit sector and in the London or the Eastern region?
If so, you are invited to join us for our open event as follows:
Look Ahead staff in Brent ballot for possible strike
Branch members working for Look Ahead Care and Support in Brent are being balloted for possible strike action – papers will be sent out on Monday 10th July.
The ballot follows management’s failure to consult with Unite over a proposed restructure following a
Bromley Unite fighting back
Bromley council staff stage fourth wave of strikes in run-up to Westminster budget day demo against council cuts and ‘race to the bottom’
Bromley council’s plans to carry out a mass privatisation of services are again being challenged
Our Branch is Now Recruiting!
The Unite LE1111 Housing Workers Branch needs a part-time, self-employed Organiser to help us make an even greater impact on behalf of our members in the housing sector and beyond. The Organiser will help members and reps to encourage more militant and self-sufficient union organisation within th
More in the Guardian on pay as branch leaflets Peabody
Visitors to the Peabody staff conference on Wednesday were greeted by red Unite flags as CBHA tenants and branch members handed out leaflets. One leaflet outlined tenant concerns while another outlined Unite members' frustration over pay. Staff echoed the pay concerns in the confer
The Guardian reveals Housing Association pay inequality
Today’s Guardian reports that Housing association chiefs earn up to 23 times more than rank and file staff - see here
Jane Ashcrof
The Guardian reveals low pay by housing associations
The Guardian reports today on low pay and inequality in housing associations
Lowest-paid staff in social housing sector receive below the living wage, at an average of £7.69 per hour, while Housing association chiefs earn up to 23 times more than rank and file sta
CBHA Tenants Protest at Peabody
CBHA Tenants are to protest at the Peabody staff conference on Wednesday and have appealed for all to support for their lobby. The details are:
Wednesday 24th June
8am
Park Plaza Hotel
200 Westminster Bridge
Haldane Calls International Conference on Legal Rights for Women
With the requirement to pay a fee in order to lodge a claim at employment Tribunal, and the cuts to Legal Aid which formerly helped the poorest and most vulnerable in society seek justice through the court system, access to justice has been moved beyond the grasp of many, and women in p
End Austerity Now! Demo - Branch Meeting Point
Please join our branch block at 11.45 outside Monument station, but at the Monument itself rather than the tube entrance. We will move off at around 12 noon to join the march, and will have our orange and black banner, so should be very visible! Please join us.
Better Branch Resources - Staffing Update
We Are Now Ready to Hire a Branch Organiser - Thanks to Our Members!
Thank you to everyone who voted in the Branch Levy Survey. The results were overwhelmingly (79%) in favour of an increase to the levy of £1 per
Revealed: how stress takes it's toll on workers in the sector
The Guardian is featuring a new survey on the impact of stress on workers - it will be a talking point in the sector and Unite reps will seek to use these discussions as a basis for positive campaigns.
The survey finds "Long hours, a lack of breaks and a fraught wo
Keep volunteering voluntary!
The Keep Volunteering Voluntary Campaign was launched last year to highlight the value of volunteering, demonstrating that responsible voluntary organisations won't take part in workfare schemes. Unite LE1111 housing branch negotiators are seeking to ensure that employers maintin good p
Pay Survey on its way to you
Discontent about pay has been growing in the housing sector and members of the Unite housing branch LE1111 are being surveyed about pay - let is know what you get and what you think! .. and dont forget to return the survey to us. Click on 'Download' below to get a pdf of the survey.
Bromley: Third wave of strikes against privatisation
Strikes planned at Bromley council, as Tories ‘run amok’ over mass privatisation
Bromley council’s plans to carry out a mass privatisation of services are being challenged by members of Unite, with a third wave of strikes.
Th
Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers Endorses Our Manifesto!
The Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers had formally endorsed our Manifesto for Housing after Suzanne Muna, the Branch Secretary, attended one of Haldane's committee meetings and outlined the work of our branch. Suzanne spoke on the lack of housing supply, the increase in homelessness, our d
Pay Victory at Centrepoint
Unite members at Centrepoint are celebrating a successful pay negotiation which will give members an above-inflation increase after they rejected the original offer from management. Centrepoint, despite publishing a very healthy surplus in their 2013/14 financial statement, offered just 1.5% to m
Fill in this survey: have you been verbally abused or assaulted?
Have you been verbally abused or physically assaulted on the job?
If so fill in this anonymous survey being run by Inside Housing magazine here
As we reported on t
South Africa report - at our branch meeting
Unite links with workers struggles over the world. Recently, London Unite member Bronwen Handyside visited South Africa as part of a Unite delegation.
The terrible events of the Marikana maasacre and the increasingly pro big business policies of the ANC and unions
Offering Unite a Political Choice - Support Our Motion!
The Unite Housing Workers Branch wants to give Unite greater political choice. Currently Unite is affiliated to the Labour Party. As well as helping to fund Labour, this means that we are only allowed to support Labour Party candidates in council, general, or European elections. This sup
Epilepsy in the workplace - New guide for reps
Epilepsy in the workplace – a TUC guide, to aid trade union workplace representatives in supporting members with epilepsy has bee published this week.
The guide was written for the TUC by Epilepsy Action and is based on the social model of disability, which means epilepsy
National Minimum Wage Campaign
The April branch meeting was proud to support the £10 Now! campaign for a £10 per hour National Minimum Wage. This campaign is being led by the bakers' union (BFAWU), but low wages are a big issue in our sector, despite the high surpluses amassed by housing associations. The
Bangladeshi Garment Workers Fight On
On the 7th April, Unite's community centre at Cable Street hosted a visit by a representative of the Bangladeshi Garment Workers Federation (BGWF), which is continuing to fight for the rights of garment workers after the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory killed more than a thousand work
All Together Now: Hands Off CBHA!
The heavens opened, but tenants and staff weren't deterred. They had a message to deliver to Peabody management: Hands Off CBHA!
The tenants, staff, and supporters from the Unite Housing Workers Branch were protesting at a Peabody roadshow (complete with 'Digi-V
New Resources from ACAS
See the links below to some great free resources from ACAS, and to specialist training courses.
Tools:
- Acas e-learning - a range
Pressure the Politicians - A Manifesto for Housing!
We demand that MPs and councillors move to end the housing crisis by way of the measures set out by the Unite Housing worker's Manifesto.
Please sign our petition VIEW | DOWNLOAD
New TUC report on mental health in the workplace
The prevalence of mental health problems among Britain’s workers is being exacerbated by reductions in the funding of mental health services, the TUC has warned. It added that official statistics “confirm a clear link with conditions such as stress generated at work that lead to menta
All Change at CBHA?
Unite members at CBHA (formerly Community Based Housing Association) are about to be consulted over major changes that the parent association, Peabody, wishes to make to the way the organisation is run.
The staff at the small association which operates exclusively in Wa
London NHS moves in to intensive care
London NHS’s crisis has deepened and moved into ‘intensive care’, according to a Unite report – launched today – which investigates the capital’s health service over the last 12 months - has concluded. Click VIEW
Pension scheme deficit announced
We have warned of the possibility that employers in the housing sector will attempt to worsen our pension in a number of recent reports on this website. Inside Housing last week reported that the deficit on the Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS) fund has been announced as £1.32 bill
Housing Associations Surplus - £2.4 billion this year
Housing Associations – another record suplus
The newly published global accounts of the sector for 2013/14 show an aggregate surplus of some £2.4bn. Surpluses have risen over the last three: £1.1bn, 1.8bn and £1.9bn according to the HCA (Ho
Family Mosaic Exposed!
On Tuesday 17th March 2000 people attended the Homes for Britain rally. Their message was simple:
'Our campaign brings together all those who believe everyone has a right to a decent affordable home to call their own.
Thursday is No Sanctions day
Unite holds day of action calling for end to ‘grotesque cruelty’ of benefit sanctions
On Thursday 19th March Unite will demonstrate outside the Department for Work and Pensions in London as part of a national day of action opposing benefit sanctions
Pensions: Freedom and Choice………………and Danger
Access to pensions after April 2015
From 6th April 2015 the tax rules governing how you can access DC (defined contribution) pension savings are changing to give much more flexibility.
While the flexibility to do what you
Unite Protest at Family Mosaic Staff Evictions
The First Steps Homes Show on the 14th March was described as "an opportunity to meet the experts and providers of low-cost home ownership schemes in one place". As visitors queued on a cold, grey morning amid heavy security, they were met by Unite Housing Workers Branch
Race to the bottom scandals in the news
Race to the bottom: MiHomecare exposed as paying less than the minimum wage and Your Care Barnet rated ‘inadequate’.
Care provider MiHomecare is in the news today as paying less than the minimum wage. Corporate Watch have obtained a revealing internal report
Police Spying : Public Inquiry Announced
Important news of a public inquirey into undercover policing.
Public inquirey into 'undercover policing' - "must be truly transparent, robust and independent." Should cover police role in blacklisting too.
Statement from COPS
Legal Aid Cuts a 'False Economy'
Legal aid cuts are a ‘false economy’ denying justice to 620,000 people
More than 620,000 people, 80% of whom are the most disadvantaged in society, have been denied access to justice because of the coalition’s so-called ‘reforms&
No Vote No Voice campaign
Unite has launched a campaign - #novotenovoice - to get one million people registered to vote in the Mat 7th election. A red bus is criss crossong the country to highlight the issue.
New registration arrangements are meaning people are dropping off registers; grou
Sanctury to consider leaving SHPS pension scheme
Sactuary Housing, the UK's largest landlord are considering leaving SHPS - the Social Housing Pension Scheme according to a report in today's Inside Housing, see here
In-Work Benefits Under Threat
Universal Credit has been a shambles logistically with no one knowing when different stages and aspects of implementation will happen; even when dates are announced for roll-out it has been partly a reputational exercise for Ian Duncan Smith and less to do with reality. As part of the Unite Commu
One Housing Group Member Meetings
A regular member meeting slot has now been set up for One Housing Group members for the first Tuesday of every month. This gives members the opportunity to talk to the branch committee about the many issues we have heard about, and to agree the collective response. Please come along to the next m
Family Mosaic - Members Unite for Better Working Condtions
Our members at Family Mosaic have alerted us to a number of workplace issues which need to be discussed so that we can decide how to collectively improve working conditions. If you are a Unite member at Family Mosaic, or are not a member but considering joining, please do come along to
Our manifesto for housing
We work in housing and homelessness organisations so we see the impact of the housing crisis in our working lives. We have to find places to live ourselves so we are also hit directly by the crisis ourselves. Click on the download button below to see the short ‘manifesto’
Unite joins week of action to save council housing
Save council housing from London's mayor
Unite, is backing a week of action across the capital designed to stop the further destruction of London's council housing stock.
With housing now the third most important issue for voters in London, yet housi
Britain needs a pay rise - so we need strong unions!
Strong trade unions not empty rhetoric the way to give Britain a pay rise, says McCluskey
Strong trade unions, not empty attempts to curry favour, is the way to gi
Social housing pension scheme - defend it!
There are plans to change the biggest pension scheme in our sector in ways which would reduce benefits to our members. It is important that Unite reps raise this issue with management and consult Unite members in any workplace with members of SHPS - the Social Houisng Pension Scheme.
New survey highlights housing staff discontent over pay
Nearly 60% of housing workers are dissatisfied with their pay according to a survey conducted by Inside Housing and Hays Social Housing – a consultancy used by many employers in the sector.
Only around 10% of employers said they had awarded better than cost of liv
Block the Budget: End the Housing Crisis
Mayor Boris Johnson is the most powerful politician in London when it comes to decisions about housing, with control over a £1.8bn budget for delivering new homes and hundreds of hectares of public land. His budget goes to the vote on 23 February and if passed, will mean more sky-high
Time to Stop the Oligarch Cranes
By London & Eastern Regional Committee Chair, Jim Kelly
On Saturday 31 January, on a cold wet windy winter day, another protest march against the madness of London’s housing market took place, building on the protests against the International Housing Fai
Services for Members - Personal Injury Claims
Unite recommends that you pursue any personal injury claim you may have through the Union's solicitors. This is the only way you will be guaranteed to keep 100% of your compensation
An injury or illness can have a devastating impact, many years after they occur.&nbs
Long hours damage health - new research
New research underlines the health risks of working long hours. An international study released last week has identified that those who work more than 48 hours a week are 11% more likely to drink alcohol at risk levels than those working a standard week – see VIEW
Action to stop sanctions against claimants
Unite will kick start a nationwide campaign on Wednesday 4 February against benefit sanctions which are pushing people into poverty and punishing debt.
The campaign, to stop benefit sanctions, will be launched on the same day that the House of Commons work and pensions committee qu
March for Homes - A Great Start to Fighting the Housing Crisis!
The Unite Housing Workers Branch was proud to play a part in organising the March for Homes which marched to City Hall demanding rent controls, more council housing, an end to the demolition of quality council homes, the provision of affordable and secure homes for all, c
Bromley: Stop attacks on Unite
Bromley council attacks Unite
Bromley: Stop attacking union members rights
Just as unions warn that Bromley Council is set to unveil plans for some of the biggest cuts in its history, the Tory Council has announced plans to immediately cease trade union 'f
Threat to decent pensions in housing
In recent years there has been a trend for pension benefits to be reduced in the social housing sector. As the Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS), the largest scheme in the sector prepares to announce its latest deficit, Inside Housing reports that this will increase the likelihood of emp
Branch secretary Suz Muna seeks nominations in Unite election
Our branch secreatary Suzanne Muna is seeking nominations for a vacant seat on Unites executive as we reported here
Click on 'download' to see a leaflet produced by supporters.
Charities Gagged Over Poverty in Britain
Campaign group Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) has highlighted a new report which shows that charities are being gagged by public sector funders who wish to prevent them from speaking out publicly against poverty and the effects of austerity cuts in Britain.
DPAC sa
NHS workers deserve a pay rise
Unite members in the health service will be taking part in further strike action. Unite LE1111 housing workers branch secretary Suzanne Muna commented: “My full support goes out to NHS workers due to strike on the 29th of January. See the unite link and do all you can to support the a
Unite launches asbestos awareness campaign
The risk from asbestos is a serious concern for anyone working in housing and contruction. Unite is launching an asbestos awareness campaign to highlught the risks from this silent killer. There is an informative an informative online campaign pack to arm Unite reps and members.
&
Fighting and winning pay claims
Unite housing workers branch secretary Suzanne Muna has written an important article on fighting and winning pay claims drawing on our experience in the branch. She points out that many battles in the branch have been about management attempts to cut the pay of front line workers. Mea
Get ready for 'Work Your Proper Hours Day': Friday 27 February
Work Your Proper Hours Day (27 Feb 2015) is the day when the average person who does unpaid overtime finishes the unpaid days they do every year, and starts earning for themselves. We think that's a day worth celebrating.
Our survey of Unite housing branch members
Unite - fighting the housing crisis
Our union’s policies on housing look very different from any of the big parties. There is work to be done.
Unite decides policy through a democratic conference; branches like ours submit resolutions and elected delegates vote on them. The policies cover work
London backs bus strike
Research shows overwheming public support in London for the drivers case.
Our branch has sent its solidarity to fellow Unite members on London busses striking on Tuesday 13 January. They are fighting against low pay and for sector wide negotiation – both thi
Stop Housing Association Privatisation
“Housing associations will be set free to roam as private companies. There is no doubt in my mind about this.... This is a juicy steak one millimetre away from a slavering dog’s mouth. I am of course putting aside the morality. But money is talking. And the politicia
Branch Secretary in Unite EC Election Race!
Following the resignation of Lizanne Malone, there is a vacancy on the Executive Council for the London & Eastern territorial seat. Our Branch Secretary, Suzanne Muna, has agreed to seek nominations to become a candidate.
Suzanne said:
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Support Striking Bus Workers!
Unite has announced that up to 27,000 bus workers will be taking part in a London wide bus strike on Tuesday 13 January. The 24 hour stoppage follows the continued refusal by London’s 18 bus operators to enter into talks about a single London wide agreement covering bus workers’
Unite Wins Recognition at Look Ahead
Unite members at Look Ahead, led by representative Dom Rollin, have won recognition for Unite at Look Ahead's four Hackney projects. This is a significant victory and was conceded by management following the threat of industrial action. As reported previously, the seven-day strike threat also
Shelter: Strike suspended
Strikes this week have been suspended following new proposals negotiated today. Members to vote on this. Strikes from 12th January still on pending members vote.
Housing Associations to become more profitable again next year
English housing associations are set to continue their path of increasing profitability according to Moody’s – the credit rating agency in a report issued this week.
The sector has repeatedly booked record surpluses in recent years, and Moody’s expect
New TUC guides on the new maternity and paternity rules
Figuring out how to share maternity leave and pay has been made easier with the publication of two new booklets from the TUC. Well worth any Unite rep reading.
The booklets – Leave and Pay for Mothers and Leave and Pay for Fathers and Partner
Shelter - three day strike over pay cuts
The housing charity Shelter is set to be hit by a three day strike next week as Britain’s largest union, Unite announced that 400 of its members would be walking out from Tuesday 16 December over pay cuts of up to £5,000 for frontline staff.
Amid warnings that ‘c
New Standards for the sector
Unite's national website reports: Our campaign recognises that the competitive tendering process by which social care, social housing, and support service providers bid for contracts, is damaging standards in our sectors and is leading to an environment in which low cost offers can triumph ov
Action Against 'Cold Home Deaths' - 28th November
Next Friday 28th November we find out how many people died from the impacts of living in a cold home last winter. Join Fuel Poverty Action and Reclaim the Power to take action and demand 'No More Deaths from Fuel Poverty: Energy Rights Now!’
In 2012/2013 10,000 people died fro
Why workers at Shelter are balloting for industrial action
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness and we campaign to prevent it in the first place.
Everyone working for Shelter cares passionately about these issues. We are totally committed to the work we do and that is why we ha
St Mungo's Broadway victory - fantastic new Reel News video
A spectacular victory - and a potentially very significant one - for St. Mungo's Broadway housing workers, just as they were about to embark on 10 straight days of strike action. Management were forced into conceding virtually all the strikers demands and abandoning their plans to savagely cu
St Mungo's Broadway strike called off after management climbdown
Hundreds of strikers gathered for a victory rally outside the St Mungos Broadway head office this morning. Len Mcluskey described the strike as pivotal when he spoke to Unite members earlier in the dispute - today speakers spoke of the signifi
St Mungos Broadway Strike Off! We Win! And Victory Rally Details
Following a day locked in talks at ACAS, the Unite SMB reps and Regional Officer, Nicky consider that they have received an offer from SMB management
St Mungos Broadway strike - talks at ACAS today
Adam Lambert, Nicky Marcus and Jon Hughes will be attending talks at ACAS with representatives from the executive team of St Mungo’s Broadway this morning. They will update via twitter and updates wil
St Mungos Broadway staff in ten day strike
St Mungo’s Broadway staff to strike for 10 days in battle to maintain quality services at housing charity
Unite statement
Staff at St Mungo’s Broadway (SMB) are preparing for 10 days of
St Mungos Broadway workers vote for ten day strike
Unite members at St Mungos Broadway have voted for a further ten day strike from November 5th.
The General Secretary of Unite, Len McCluskey, addressed a packed meeting that took the decision. He emphasised the vital importance of the strike not only fo
£160,000 pay off for former St Mungos boss
Inside Housing today reports that Charles Fraser, former CEO at St Mungos, was given a pay off of £160,000 when he left the organisation. Clearly there is no race to the bottom for CEO's!
Staff at St Mungos broadway, created through a merger with Broadway when Charles Fr
Following strike: Councils write to St Mungos Broadway
Following seven days strike action by Unite members at St Mungos Broadway councils two councils have raised questions about the organisation.
Jonathan McShane, cabinet member for social care at Hackney Council, is quoted in Inside Housing as saying: “We hope this
St Mungos Broadway strike raised in Parliament
Islington Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn has raised this Early Day Motion (EDM 394) in Parliament:
"That this House supports workers at the homeless organisation St Mungo's Broadway in defending their terms and conditions and the service that they deliver to some of t
St Mungos Broadway striker writes in the Guardian
On today's Guardian website:
'Why we're striking' – St Mungo's Broadway worker shares motivations
A staff member explains wages aren’t dropping but he’s been on strike this week to protect services at the chari
Strike one - day six
Solidarity increases.
We’ve done it again! SMB Unite has been out again in numbers. And it has to be said that the day was marked by even more acts of solidarity for our dispute and support than yesterday.
On Day six we
Strike Day 5 Report
Doing the Locum – otion.
Day 5 has seen the most incredible examples of solidarity extended towards our members from a range of trade unionists, councilors and commissioners.
Before the rain had stopped and before the d
Strike report - day four
Strike one. Day four.
A rats tail
After a strong showing over the weekend, the day began with picket lines gathering across London and in Bristol. Members were set to maintain the strong presence of the previ
Britian needs a pay rise - picketing goes well
Day two – National TUC demo - Britain needs a payrise.
Picketing goes well.
It was another successful and inspiring day.
Picket lines ran without a hitch at
Day One St Mungo Broadway strike: Amazing day of action
What an amazing day of action! We felt the strength of our collective muscle yesterday in a series of pickets that culminated in a massive rolling protest!
Nineteen picket lines were planned for day one of our seven-day strike, and nineteen picket lines were put i
St Mungos Broadway Strike starts today
Members at St Mungos Broadway will be on strike from 8.00am today. Last minute negotiations at ACAS on Thursday failed to produce significant movement from management. In the absence of movement from management the strike will last seven days.
There are eighteen pickets accr
WEA withdraws imposed proposals following strike vote
Unite members at the Workers Educational Association had voted by 85% in support of industrial action over an imposed restructure of London Region Staff without full and meaningful consultation. However, as a result of discussions with ACAS involvement, a last minute agreement ensures that the WE
MIPIM - all that's wrong in public housing policy
In the shadow of Mipim UK, tenants are fighting the bulldozers. Can’t we accept that public–private partnerships just don’t work?
Branch member Glyn Robins has this article in todays Guardian
The “pizza club” used
Unite on MIPIM: super rich cash in
The ‘super rich’, wealthy domestic and foreign property developers and ‘old money’ aristocrats are cashing in on Britain’s housing crisis, while 1.8 million households languish on council waiting lists.
These are the stark conclusions in a briefing by
St Mungos Broadway Urgent Strike Fund Appeal
St Mungos Broadway Strike Appeal
Unite members at St Mungos Broadway (from the Unite Housing Workers Branch) will be taking seven days of strike action in defence of their housing association, staff terms and conditio
Unite members in St Mungos Broadway vote for action
Unite LE1111 members in St Mungos Broadway have voted for industrial action with an exceptional majority of 95.8%. The turnout was an impressive 68%. Members will meet tommrow to plan future action.
The new executive team at St Mungos have imposed a range of chang
Our branch supporting Focus E15 Mums
The branch banner, held by Paul Kershaw and Glyn Robbins, was outside Bow County Court last Thursday (2nd Oct). Over 200 people (including Russell Brand) were there to support the Focus E15 Mums who, along with estate residents and housing campaigners, have been occupying some flats on the
St Mungos Broadway in the press
The dispute at St Mungos Broadway is covered extensively on this website - keep visiting for more! It has also been covered in the trade press - we have attached a selection of reports from the last few weeks: click on "Download" below:
Unite says boycott MIPIM
Labour councillors in London are being urged to boycott a prestige property fair this month over fears that property developers stitch up deals that would hit council tenants and leaseholders in the capital.
Unite, the country’s largest union, said that Labour cou
Staff Lobby St Mungo Broadway Board AGM
A lively, peaceful protest was held outside the St Mungo's Broadway board meeting yesterday evening at Griffin House in Hammersmith. This was the meeting where the Executive Team took their proposals to reduce staff pay plus other changes to the Board of Trustees for approval.
Four key changes in employment law - 1st October 2014
UK employment rights are amongst the weakest in Europe and are being further eroded by the government. We defend decent conditions at work including basic equalities by our collective organisation but we seek to use any legal avenues open to us. For a change, the four changes set out
Unite health members to join October strikes
Health workers will strike on October 13th. The day after, council workers and FE lecturers will be out followed by civil servants on October 15.
Unite health members to strike over Cameron’s ‘destructive’ NHS pay policy
David Cameron’s
St Mungo's Broadway Ballot for strike action
New swingeing cuts to pay, and changes to policies and procedures governing working conditions at housing charity St Mungo’s Broadway have prompted a strike ballot of more than 50
Peabody Tries to Get Shifty!
The Unite Housing Workers Branch and our reps in Peabody congratulate our members in the Peabody Revenues Team who recently made an inspiring stand against ill-considered proposals to change working patterns.
Following an away-day discussion earlier in the year, Peabody
Hitchin: A Victory with a Twist!
Unite members at St Mungo’s Broadway recently won a significant victory which gave two great results – an improvement in pay, terms and conditions for staff at the affected Hitchin project, and upward harmonisation for other staff when the Hitchin project was TUPEd to another
Helen Giles - The Root of All Evil
Helen Giles has recently taken over as Executive Director of HR in St Mungo's Broadway following St Mungo's merger with Broadway earlier this year.
Paul Kershaw Article - Defending Social Housing
Real 'social' housing
11 August 2014
This week’s Observer newspaper splashes the story of care workers in Doncaster entering their 48th day of strike action against pay cuts of up to 35% and a new lower grade for new starters, on
New Strike Dates Set at OHG
Members at One Housing Group have announced four further days of strike over the sacking of lead convenor, Bryan Kennedy, and the general treatment of staff at the association.
The strike will take place from 8am on Friday 8th August to 8pm on Monday 11th
Look Ahead Victory! Strike Off!
There has been a stunning eve-of-strike victory for Look Ahead Unite Members.
After weeks of negotiation and an escalating threat of industrial action, with a seven day strike due to start on Thursday 9th July, members working in the four Hackney Look Ahead servi
Look Ahead Picket Lines
Unite the union’s members in Look Ahead will now be starting a seven day strike from Thursday 10th July (alongside millions of public sector workers) until Wednesday 16th July. Picket line details are as follows:
Bryan Kennedy Hearing Postponed - But Not the Protest!
One Housing Group has today postponed Bryan Kennedy's appeal hearing. Management have not given any particular reason (maybe they didn't like the film starring the CEO???). Whatever ... Our message to Bryan is that wherever and whenever OHG reschedule the hearing, we will be there to supp
Protest at Bryan Kennedy Appeal Hearing
On Wednesday 9th July, members and supporters of the 'I'm Bryan' campaign will be protesting outside Bryan Kennedy's appeal hearing. Bryan was dismissed in June from One Housing
Look Ahead - Strike On!
Unite the union’s members in Look Ahead will now be starting a seven day strike from Thursday 10th July (alongside millions of public sector workers) until Wednesday 16th July.
The members work at a vital men
Re-Instate Bryan Kennedy - Petition Launched
We have now started a petition for Bryan Kennedy's re-instatement. This follows the shocking and disgraceful news that he was sacked on Tuesday 17th June despite a 10 year unbelmished record of performance. We are calling on all branch members and supporters to sign the petition at
Look Ahead - Another Great Protest!
On Thursday 19th June Unite members at Look Ahead organised a second, highly successful and well-supported protest outside Hackney Town Hall.
Staff at Look Ahead Housing in Hackney are facing their second substantial pay cut in two years. In 2012 Look Ah
Branch Backs the 'Stop G4S' Campaign
The Unite Housing Workers branch is backing the 'Stop G4S' campaign. This campaign, a coalition of activists, trade unionists, and non-governmental organisations, aims to highlight G4S's global human rights abuses, and to stop it being awarded public service contracts. The Stop G4S ca
Look Ahead - The Unite Fight Back Continues!
On Thursday 12th June Unite members at Look Ahead organised a protest outside Hackney Town Hall Forty affected staff members attended the lively lobby to protest at Look Ahead's decision to run down essential support services in Hackney.
The members are n
Greenwich Unite Speaker - Fighting Bullying and Harassment
Many members will be all too familiar with workplace bullying and harassment, and the difficulties of getting employers to address the issue. In Greenwich, a group of Occupational Therapists have decided that enough is enough and, toget
Look Ahead Attacks its Workers - Unite Members Fight Back!
Unite the union’s members in Look Ahead's vital mental health services are already on low pay, having received an average pay cut of 15% less than two years ago. Yet now, their disgraceful employer is expecting them to take a further 14% pay cut.
Skilled posts
OHG Strike in Support of Bryan Kennedy
Unite members at One Housing Group will be on strike between Friday 6th June and Tuesday 10th June 2014.
T
Urgent Appeal for Funds
Urgent resources needed! The Unite Housing Workers Branch has run a number of high profile campaigns - This has included almost forty days of industrial action in the last year, including highly successful action at One Housing Group, St Mungo (Hitchin project) and the Homes and Communities
Lambeth 'Co-Operative Council' Accused of Closing Housing Co-ops
Lambeth Council, which cynically markets itself as a ‘co-operative council’, has been accused by Lambeth United Housing Co-Op of 'destroying housing co-ops that have existed in the borough for 40 years'. In a statement, the LUHC says the Council is recalling '
Pay Up Website Launched
Unite has launched an excellent informative and interactive new website as part of its Fair Pay campaign which includes a wealth of resources for representatives, members and activists across our sector.
The website includes the following features:
HCA Strike Fund Appeal
As reported previously, Unite members at the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) have taken 3 days of strike action (25-27 March) over the divisive and unfair way that the Agency has chosen to allocate pay, and because the Agency has consistently failed to negotiate in any meaningful way. See
New Video: The Role of Union Learning Reps
A new video from unionlearn provides insight into the role of union learning representatives. Click here for more information:
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Unite Report: London Health Crisis!
A landmark report, launched today on London’s NHS highlights a cash strapped and fragmented health service – and proposes an 18-point plan to save the capital’s NHS.
Unite regional secretary for the London region Pete Kavanagh said: “This report
Housing Associations: £1.9m Surpluses!
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) have published this year’s global accounts for the sector which again show a record surplus. Worth remembering every time pay claims, staffing levels and work intensification is discussed.
The report states: “The sector continued
Unite On Strike at the HCA
Unite members at the Homes and Communities Agency have taken 3 days of strike action (25-27 March) on over the divisive and unfair way that the Agency has chosen to allocate pay, and because the Agency has consistently failed to negotiate in a meaningful way on this key issue. The strike followed
Bob Crow, Tony Benn - One Week, Two Losses
Tribute to Bob Crow, RMT
At its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, our branch paid tribute to Bob Crow, an inspiring and brave trade union leader who died suddenly the previous day. He was an outstanding leader who was not willing to be held back from fighting in his members' inte
Public sector women bear unpaid overtime burden
The number of staff doing unpaid overtime has gone up in the public sector over the last decade, but has held steady in the private sector, according to a new analysis of official figures by the TUC. We know from branch research that housing associations have matched the public sector in that res
Health and safety: Unite warning on claims management rip off
Unite is taking a professional negligence claim against two high street law firms who failed a former food worker with industrial deafness.
The law firms, acting for a claims management company, were engaged after the former Northern Foods employee and
Associations Warn They Will Snub HCA Grant Funding
Inside Housing has reported a warning from housing associations which "won’t bid for grant funding if they are required to build small homes"
They will reject up to £1.7 billion of HCA grant "if they are forced to build large numbers of one an
Housing Workers and an Increase in Tenant Suicide Threats
Almost half of housing staff have experienced resident suicide threats according to a recent report from the consultancy, 'Straight Forward'. Just 25% of workers report feeling well equipped to deal with the situation. The VIEW
ACAS Guidance on Breastfeeding
Unite reps supporting women who wish to continue breast feeding when they return to work will get useful information from this new guidance from ACAS, the government's employment advice service.
Heartless Mungos!
St Mungo's sudden decision to pull out from homeless provision in Hitchin following strike action by branch members at the North Herts Sanctuary has recieved extensive media attention. There is coverage in the trade press and local media, including this VIEW
Pay Up!
An army of low paid local government workers will demand an end to poverty pay rises as thousands gear up to take part in todays joint union day of protest.
Lunchtime protests are planned outside council buildings and town halls across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Uni
Tighten Up on Safety!
Reporting near-misses and other safety concerns - as well as accidents - has become more important than ever after ch
St Mungos Strike - Hitchin Project
Unite members at St Mungo's North Herts Sanctuary homeless shelter in Hitchin are on strike after charity bosses have refused to honour an agreement made in July to give them the