Shelter Staff Balloted on Strike Action as Charity Refuses to Introduce Four-Day Week

Strategic Insights -

Approximately 550 employees at the homelessness charity Shelter are being balloted for industrial action in a dispute over pay and working conditions. Shelter has offered staff a 1.5% pay rise for the current financial year, a 7% reduction in weekly hours, and a one-off payment of £210 to 490 lower-paid staff. However, the workers' union Unite has criticized the charity for withdrawing from discussions about potentially introducing a four-day week, which Shelter says would not be viable. If the ballot is successful, strike action could begin in early December.

Key Takeaways:

  • The dispute between Shelter and its staff centers around pay and working conditions, including the charity's refusal to implement a four-day week.
  • Shelter has offered staff a 1.5% pay rise and a 7% reduction in weekly hours, as well as a one-off payment of £210 to 490 lower-paid staff.
  • Unite has criticized Shelter for withdrawing from discussions about introducing a four-day week and has vowed to support its members in any industrial action.
  • The charity has reportedly made an income of £81.3m and spent £82.7m in the year up to March 2024, with £53.4m spent on staff costs.
  • Tim Gutteridge, chief operating officer at Shelter, has stated that the charity is willing to negotiate with Unite, but believes it is right to move forward with the current pay offer.

Statistics:

  • 550 Shelter employees are being balloted for industrial action.
  • 490 lower-paid Shelter staff will receive a one-off payment of £210.
  • Shelter's income for the year up to March 2024 was £81.3m.
  • Shelter's expenditure for the year up to March 2024 was £82.7m.
  • Homelessness charity Shelter Scotland had an income of £66.2m (2019) [1].
  • Shelter has 530 employees in the UK [2].

Sources:

  • [1] Shelter. (2020). Annual Report 2019. Available from https://www.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/207037/Annual-Report-2019.pdf
  • [2] Shelter. (2022). About Us. Available from https://www.shelter.org.uk/information_and_resources/about_us