Shelter’s controversial management appears to have given in to pay demands in order to end a high-profile strike by the campaigning charity’s 600 staff.

A fortnight’s strike began on December 5, but was suspended close to its scheduled end when Unite trades union members were balloted over an improved pay offer.

Previously the union claimed Shelter’s management had imposed a pay deal which was a real terms pay cut of 11 per cent given the true inflation rate. The dispute had become increasingly bitter as the charity’s management had – according to Unite – refused to enter into “meaningful negotiations” with union reps.

Unite then revealed that Shelter allegedly had reserves of £14.5m – at a time when it was making a public appeal for donations as well as declining to meet the staff’s pay demands.

Now the dispute is over following the agreement to implement a seven per cent pay rise from 2022 – that’s over double the three per cent rise the workers had originally been offered. The staff will also receive a one-off payment of £1,250.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham says: “This was a significant result, our members were prepared to stand together in unity and by doing so were able to secure a greatly improved pay increase.

“This is further proof of how Unite’s unflinching focus on jobs, pay and conditions is delivering substantial financial benefits for its members.”

And Unite regional officer Peter Storey adds: “Full credit must go to Unite’s reps and members without whose commitment and determination this victory would not have been possible.

“Unite has emerged from the dispute far stronger at Shelter and it is determined to ensure that members will continue to receive fair pay awards in the future.”