Now that the pendulum has swung in the other direction, housing workers can only rejoice. It is the best opportunity for years to bridge the gap with the private sector, encourage new entrants to the profession and shame some of those rural-based housing associations that have disgracefully exploited depressed local labour market conditions by keeping their salary levels at little above the minimum wage. Decent wage levels will help stimulate local economies and consequently improve the lot of their own tenants – reducing dependency on benefits.
Much emphasis has, correctly, been placed on improved rights and benefits for, and services to, public sector tenants over recent years. Perhaps the message will finally hit home that the necessary corollary for delivering these services is to acknowledge the role played by frontline staff, award them a competitive salary structure and not begrudge them their change in fortune.
Source
Housing Today
Postscript
Tim Hanlon, shop steward, Unison
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