Following a long-fought campaign, Unite has secured a recognition agreement with Mears covering thousands of workers at the housing and social care provider.

Mears is an outsourced housing solutions provider for construction and local authorities. It predominantly manages maintenance and repairs contracts but also runs housing alongside social care services and asylum accommodation.

Unite has already secured an extra five days holiday, enhanced sick pay and enhanced family friendly policies for its members at the company.

Last year, Unite also achieved a big win for members on pay, securing on average a 14 per cent pay rise on top of a national pay award of £2,000, following a pay parity campaign.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s team of workplace representatives and officers have secured a landmark agreement which will give thousands of workers a powerful and effective voice at work.

“Unite has already secured a 14 per cent pay increase, extra holidays, and sick pay. It’s more proof that Unite is on the front foot fighting for jobs, pay and conditions.”

The agreement gives Unite access to Mears contracts so workers can organise on the local level, as well as the national level.

Unite national officer Clare Keogh said: “This agreement is so important, given the numbers of outsourced local government workers currently without the benefit of union recognition and collective bargaining agreements.

“Crucially, this new agreement gives Unite access to Mears workplaces including in social care where trade union power and representation is urgently needed.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Contact: Ciaran Naidoo 07768 931 315