The Hestia run service, Hounslow LIFE, supports some of Hounslow's most vulnerable residents. 

Workers at the service do the best they can for their clients, however, low wages and poor working conditions can make delivering high quality support difficult.  

They are increasingly being expected to take on complex cases that they do not have the training or support to deal with safely and their caseloads are becoming unmanageable. 

It is very difficult for the service to recruit and retain workers due to the low pay offered. Staff have warned their employer that unless wages are raised at least in line with inflation, the service will begin to crumble. 

They have been forced to the point of strike action as their employer has refused to respond to their concerns or work with Unite the Union, the trade union that represents the workers, to reach a resolution.

Like their NHS colleagues, the Hestia LIFE workers are fighting not just for improved pay and conditions for themselves, but for the survival of our public services.

Please show your support for these workers by signing this petition. We will be sharing this with their employer and with Hounslow Council, who commissions the service. 

If you are a resident of Hounslow, we also ask that you to reach out to your local councillors and request that they put pressure on Hestia to take action. 

You can also contact Hestia directly expressing your support for the workers and urging the charity to come to the table to get this dispute resolved. 

 

KEY ISSUES THE WORKERS WANT ADDRESSED

Caseloads - Unmanageable caseloads have impacted on the mental health of workers and the quality and safety of the support delivered. They want a maximum of 15 clients per support worker.

Low pay - Workers need an inflation proof pay rise that reflects the skill required for their work and is competitive enough to prevent further staff losses.

Trade union recognition - Unite the Union now represents the majority of the workforce at Hounslow LIFE, however, Hestia continues to refuse to recognise the union.

Travel expenses - Hestia’s current procedure is unnecessarily complicated and has led to some losing thousands of pounds in unclaimed expenses.

Language skills compensated - Many workers speak multiple languages, including British Sign Language. This ensures the service can offer quality support to Hounslow’s diverse population. They are requesting that staff are compensated for this essential work.

 

FOR MORE INFO

Open Democracy Article, 12 Dec 22​

Unite the Union Press Release, 12 Dec 22​

MyLondon Article, 13 Dec 22

 

To discuss the dispute further, please contact: 

Nick Auvache, Branch Organiser, Unite Housing Workers: nickauvache@gmail.com, 07588041768

Billie Cooper, Unite the Union Workplace Rep: billiecooper@hotmail.co.uk, 07866232619