Hundreds of staff at a Knowsley housing association could walk out over a dispute around pay. 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 5% pay increase as they suggest it does not reverse a real terms pay cut.
” 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% pay rise, bringing her total to more than £255,000 per year and increased the number of staff earning £90K or more by 33%.