An agreement has been signed by Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest housing association and UNISON, the UK’s largest union. It will allow the union to negotiate over pay and other benefits on behalf of staff.
The agreement, which was signed by UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis and Clarion chief executive officer Keith Exford, will also give the union seats on the housing association’s staff council.
The move follows the merger of Circle Housing and Affinity Sutton, renamed Clarion Housing Group, in November.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This agreement shows Clarion’s willingness to work with UNISON to ensure employees’ views are represented at the highest level.
“The most successful organisations are those that work closely with unions. Bothstaff and senior managers at Clarion will benefit as a result.”
Jonathan Cawthra, group director of HR and corporate services at Clarion Housing Group, said: “When we formed the new organisation, we took the decision that we would follow staff preference for representation. Accordingly, an independent agency conducted a staff survey and, based on the results, we have agreed a joint arrangement whereby UNISON and elected members of the staff council will work alongside each other to represent Clarion employees.”