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. According to Refuge, which operates the service, that represented an 80% on previous years. This is a key issue in the workplace.
Unite has won gains
Our experience is that too many housing association employers are examples of bad practice, although Unite has been able to win important progress in some organisations. We reported on the new agreement at Peabody housing here. The new Unite negotiators guide on the issue can be found here and there is a summary of the new policy at Peabody here.
Branch meeting
Our branch meeting (on zoom) Tuesday 9th February will include a discussion on how we can improve things led by reps frpm Peabody. Even the government has recognised the growing problem and has called on employers to do more. Yet some housing associations do not even have a policy for their workforce, even when they have policies for tenants. Unite reps will be fighting for change.
If you are a member of Unite LE1111 branch and have nor recieved you invitation to this meeting contact branch secreatary Jack Jeffery: jack.jeffery.unite@gmail.com