Industrial Dispute at Shelter

That this House supports Unite members taking industrial action at Shelter; stands with these workers based at offices across the country in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Blackburn, Merseyside, Manchester, Sheffield Hub and North Bank, Birmingham, Bristol, Plymouth, Bournemouth, Norwich, Hackney and London Old Street; is concerned by Shelter’s imposition of a 3 per cent pay deal without proper consultation in the middle of a cost of living crisis despite the organisation’s healthy finances; notes that Shelter’s own claims show they have reserves of £17 million; further notes that this is substantially in excess of the organisation’s target reserves of £8.9 million; understands that the Retail Price Index is at its highest level since 1980; is alarmed that this means RPI is currently over 10 per cent higher than Shelter’s imposed 3 per cent pay deal; is disappointed to see an organisation with the reputation and mission statement of Shelter treating its workers with such disrespect; is clear that those working for a housing charity should not be experiencing housing insecurity as a result of low pay meaning they are unable to afford their rent; is encouraged by the large growth in union membership amongst Shelter’s workers during this dispute; and urges Shelter to rethink and fully commit to meaningful negotiations with representatives from its workers’ trade union, Unite.