Homelessness charity defends sacking Unite representative after union boss intervenes
A national homelessness charity has defended its decision to dismiss an employee who was also a trade union official.
In a statement, Crisis said it only ever takes such steps as a “last resort”, after Unite’s general secretary issued a combative social media post criticising the sacking.
“The actions of Crisis against trade union reps will not be allowed to continue,” Sharon Graham wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“[Unite] won’t tolerate attacks on our workplace representatives at the hands of hostile employers,” Ms Graham added.
“Crisis is on notice that this dispute will escalate unless they row back on their actions.”
Unite told Inside Housing that it was unable to provide any further comment at this time.
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In response to Ms Graham’s post, Louise Harris, chief operating officer at Crisis, said it was “regrettable that Crisis has had to dismiss a member of staff [who was] also a trade union representative”.
“Dismissal is always a last resort – and we are acutely aware of the impact it has on the individual and those around them,” Ms Harris added.
“We follow extremely thorough processes before coming to any decision,” she said.
“While we cannot comment on the specifics of this case due to an ongoing process, at its heart was a very serious matter.”
Ms Harris said Crisis remained “firmly committed to working in partnership with our Unite representatives and their members”, and that it was to the benefit of staff when the union and employer collaborate well.
“We always engage with our union representatives, as only together can we create the best possible workplace for our staff,” Ms Harris added.
“We have made it clear that we wish to continue positive dialogue.”
Since summer last year, Crisis has been cutting services and has made around 80 staff redundant in the context of sharp rises to operating costs and reduced income, in part from a drop in donations.
In the late summer, the charity announced that it would shut two offices, putting 40 jobs at risk, including closing down its entire operation in South Yorkshire.
Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, said at the time the decision to shut its two smallest Skylight centres, which helped people find homes, jobs and training, “has been made to try and minimise the number of people experiencing homelessness affected across all of our services”.
Mr Downie added: “Making redundancies and closing services is very difficult for us to contemplate and it’s not a proposal we’ve made lightly.”
Earlier this week, repair workers at a large housing association have announced a further five days of strike action this month.
Sanctuary Housing’s London maintenance workers have been striking over pay, travel-time disputes, parity with office staff, a four-day week and recognition of their union since voting for action last month.
