Hundreds could walk out at Livv Housing Group

Members of both Unite and Unison unions have begun balloting their members over a pay row with Livv Housing Group.

Union officials claim the Prescot-based organisation has forced workers to “accept below inflation offers for many years, causing severe pressure on personal finances.” Staff have rejected an initial five per cent pay increase as they suggest it does not reverse a real terms pay cut.

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More than 200 people could leave their posts after the unions confirmed their members would now be balloted for industrial action. The ballot is open as of today running until Tuesday September 17.

If members vote in favour, strikes could begin later in the autumn.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “The behaviour of Livv housing is shameful.

This is an organisation that is pretending to be a cuddly not for profit organisation but is in reality hellbent on forcing its members into poverty while management enjoys large bonuses. The Unite members in the dispute have the complete support of their union.”

Unite members are being balloted

Livv housing manages and maintains over 13,000 properties primarily in the Knowsley area. Within the group, Livv also has a maintenance and investment arm.

James Robinson, UNISON branch secretary, said: “Livv Housing Group have reported multi million pound surpluses for the last five years, awarded their CEO a 19 per cent pay rise, bringing her total to more than £255,000 per year and increased the number of staff earning £90K or more by 33 per cent.

“This is all while staff have seen their pay eroded, pensions removed, terms and conditions worsened, and rents continue to go up.” Officials have warned if Livv did not come to the table with an offer and strikes went ahead, it could impact all aspects of the business which “will cause severe disruption to tenants.”

John Sheppard, Unite regional officer, added: “Strike action would cause huge disruption to tenants, but this dispute has been caused by Livv’s refusal to make a fair pay offer to our members. This dispute can still be resolved through negotiations but Livv needs to make an offer that members find acceptable.”

Livv Housing is based at Kings Business Park, Prescot

A Livv Housing Group spokesperson said: "When setting pay increases we must consider the wider business performance, the increased level of expenditure in repairs, our rental position, increased overheads, and increased supply chain costs. As a social housing provider, our surplus is reinvested into communities and initiatives to support our customers.

"With this in mind, we believe our offer of five per cent for this financial year is a fair offer to ensure that not only do our colleagues receive an enhanced pay package, but that our business remains sustainable and able to support our customers across the borough and beyond. "This offer was rejected by the unions, and we’re aware that there are ballots for strike action now taking place."