An affordable housing association with key developments in Newham is locked in a staff pay dispute with the Unite union.

One Housing Group, which runs the Rick Roberts Way scheme in Stratford and is a partner in the Canning Town regeneration project, has been accused of attempting to cut the salaries of its One Support staff by a third.

Unite says the moves could see 245 staff forced out of their jobs this September.

They would then be reinstated on lower pay and inferior terms and conditions.

Unite regional officer Nicky Marcus said: “It’s an outrage that support staff, working with some of the most vulnerable people in society, may face homelessness themselves as a direct result of these devastating cuts.

“One Housing talks of the importance of its social purpose and valuing their clients, but, in reality, they simply wish to expand by undercutting other housing associations.

“This creates a race to the bottom in terms of wages and experience as loyal and outstanding staff are forced out.”

Mr Marcus said the situation was made worse because One Housing managers will not meet them before September 4. Members have already seen pay frozen for four years.

“Management have failed to provide us with any business case whatsoever,” he added.

One Housing manages more than 14,000 homes in London and the south east.

A spokesman said consultation was currently ongoing with staff and their union representatives.

He said: “We are committed to continuing to deliver the highest levels of care and support to our residents. “These proposals will enable us to expand our care, complex needs and retirement portfolios and to continue to fulfil our social purpose of delivering services for those most in need.”