Our position is not quite as represented in the article. Following extensive pay negotiations that started some months ago, we have presented to our unions a comprehensive package of measures that result in a pay award of 4% for all staff (the offer does not apply to senior staff). In addition, there are increases in London weighting, agreement to move towards a common annual leave entitlement across the organisation, improvements to maternity, paternity and other special leave arrangements, and an offer to pilot more flexible working arrangements.
The offer was rejected by 182 union members, leaving 400 or so staff who voted to accept, did not vote or could not vote because they are not union members.
Given the reasonableness of the offer, it is not surprising that we should resist any further demand that more money should be applied.
We are engaged in a major and complex IT outsourcing initiative, which has been the subject of media coverage. This is not only entirely irrelevant in the context of pay negotiations but, contrary to what is presented in your article, we are working to budget and moving towards successful deployment in the next few weeks.
Source
Housing Today
Postscript
Peter Bush, director of human resources and administration Housing Corporation
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