Housing staff set for higher wages

THE housing association that took over Fenland District Council s housing stock says its workers can expect to beat the national average for salary rises. Pauline Ford, managing director of Roddons Housing Association, said: A career in the housing secto

THE housing association that took over Fenland District Council's housing stock says its workers can expect to beat the national average for salary rises.

Pauline Ford, managing director of Roddons Housing Association, said: "A career in the housing sector can be extremely well paid and rewarding.

"Recent figures show that housing is outperforming other sectors, with a 3.5 per cent increase in salaries above last year's national average of just 2.9 per cent. There are also excellent opportunities for career progression in the housing sector."

Roddons says anyone looking for a new job in 2008 should consider a career in the social housing sector, with housing association workers experiencing an average 3.5 per cent salary increase last year.

The association says a survey by Inbucon Group believes the increase in pay is due to growth in recent regeneration projects, which have created a high demand for qualified staff, prompting employers to increase salaries and benefits to help recruitment and retention of experienced and valued staff.

"This 3.5 per cent increase in social housing salaries is above the national average, which in the year to April 2007 grew by just 2.9 per cent," said Ms Ford.

The housing association, which is based in March, manages almost 4,000 properties and is set to build 500 homes over the next five years.