HOUSING association staff are considering strike action in a dispute over pay.

Workers at Torus, formed in 2015 as a merger of Golden Gates Housing Trust and St Helens-based Helena Partnerships, could take industrial action following months of discussions.

Staff at Torus have not had a pay rise for two years, and have rejected offers of a one per cent increase as well as three per cent over two years - which would be backdated to April 2017.

A vote on the deal was rejected by Unite and Unison union members in November, and workers could be balloted on strike action in the coming month.

Brian Kelly, senior steward at Unite, said: “We opened negotiations with Torus and were offered a one per cent rise, which was rejected.

“Torus then came back with an offer of three per cent over two years which we found unacceptable, as we would essentially be voting for a pay cut the following year because of inflation.

“A ballot of the workforce was held and rejected in November, and we are now in a stalemate whereby negotiations have stalled.

“We will discuss a ballot for industrial action later this month, but we’re hoping that our employers will come back around the table and make a fair offer.”

But Torus maintained that dialogue is still ‘ongoing’, with further meetings scheduled to take place between itself and representatives of the two unions this week.

A spokesman said: “Torus has been in discussions with its trade union representatives for many months about a pay review for its staff.

“This dialogue is ongoing, with another meeting to be held later this week.

“Industrial action is being considered by the trade unions, however a ballot for industrial action hasn’t take place and no formal communication notifying Torus about industrial action has been received.

“As a responsible employer, Torus has made a pay award offer that we believe is fair and proportionate.

“We are committed to working positively with the trade unions to achieve a positive resolution.”