Update about the East End Homes pension consultation
East End Homes pension consultation
Since February this year we have been consulting with a number of colleagues about proposed changes to East End Homes' pension arrangements. The main purpose is to create a fairer and more consistent pension offer across the organisation. In addition, simplifying pension arrangements will help to make us more financially resilient in the long-term. We know that this is important to residents for reassurance about investment into the future of East End Homes.
Of the 31 employees who are affected, 11 have already accepted the proposals and agreed to the changes. Discussions with the remainder of employees, some of whom have taken strike action, have continued. We have also engaged with trade unions, considered alternative proposals, and taken part in discussions involving Acas, an organisation that works with employers and employees to solve problems.
Understandably, this has been a difficult time for everyone at East End Homes and colleagues have done their utmost to minimise disruption to services. We have kept the lines of communication open and put forward fair proposals to find a solution in the best interests of the entire organisation. We have taken reasonable and proportionate steps to bring this to a conclusion so that we can get back to focussing our attention on delivering services for residents.
Having reached an impasse, on 21 September we asked our Board to agree a course of action about employees who have yet to accept the new pension arrangements. Their decision was twofold. Firstly, the Board has agreed to a revised and enhanced offer with the aim of achieving voluntary consent about the move to consolidating pension arrangements.
Should colleagues not agree to the enhanced offer, we would unfortunately have no option but to end those employees’ contracts and offer them a new one. This would be on identical terms but with an amendment to their pension clause. This is so that we reach a point where all employees are on the same pension arrangements.
The Board did not take these decisions lightly, but they were driven by the primary concern to make sure that we can resume normal service for residents. We hope that colleagues will accept the enhanced offer so that we do not have to change their contract as this would be an absolute last resort.
Throughout the consultation period and industrial action, we have kept disruption to residents to a minimum. Colleagues have taken on extra responsibilities for the time being and we are grateful to them for their flexibility and commitment to supporting residents.
Please continue to use our customer services email address, customer.services@eastendhomes.net or call 0207 517 4700 if you have any questions.
We are very sorry for any inconvenience and the uncertainty that this has caused. It is our overriding aim that making a difficult but fair decision will bring matters to a swift resolution.