Livv takes legal advice after Unite sets up unofficial ‘hotline’ for resident complaints

Livv Housing Group says it is speaking to lawyers after trade union Unite urged the association’s residents to contact an unauthorised ‘hotline’ with their complaints.

Livv, which manages 13,000 homes in Knowsley, Merseyside, is involved in an acrimonious long term pay dispute with the union, which has prompted a succession of strikes by hundreds of staff.

Unite last week announced Livv residents could call its “hotline” – a mobile number operated by the union – to “record Livv’s failings’”

However leaders at Livv are concerned about the implications for data protection and its communication with residents.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the unofficial hotline that Unite have set up. We have a variety of channels that customers use to get in touch with us and this is not one of them.”

“This unauthorised third party channel raises real concerns about the collection and use of our customer data so we are working with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and taking legal advice to address this issue.”

“We would like to stress that if our customers have any issues or concerns they can get in touch with us directly.”

Livv staff are currently carrying out their latest industrial action until 31 May.

“This unauthorised third party channel raises real concerns about the collection and use of our customer data so we are working with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and taking legal advice to address this issue.” 

A spokesperson for Livv Housing Group 

The dispute was triggered after the unions last year rejected a 5% pay increase for 2024/25, which Livv has said would be one of the highest in the social housing sector.

Knowsley-based Livv said it subsequently offered a reduction in hours of work, increased pension contribution, a two-year pay award deal of 7.7% over 2 years, increased holiday entitlement and a salary review process.

However Unite and Unison said the pay deal offered “fails to reverse the real-terms pay cuts of previous years”.

Unite has repeatedly pointed to the £110.6m Livv holds as reserves, saying they have “millions in the bank” and can afford to pay more – failing to mention the housing association is not-for-profit and reinvests its surpluses. Livv has responded by pointing out reserves on housing association balance sheets are not excess funds.

Unite regional officer John Sheppard said: “Workers are taking strike action as a last resort, due to Livv’s refusal to negotiate a fair pay deal. We know this will impact on repairs and maintenance, but Livv’s management is solely responsible due to their failure to engage.”