Construction union UCATT have welcomed the decision by Sefton housing association One Vision to take their repairs and maintenance service in house.

One Vision's decision to opt for an in-house option follows the collapse of social housing contractor Connaught, which previously provided these services. The collapse of Connaught led to 200 workers being made redundant. The workers in Sefton discovered their fate by conference call.

It is understood that initially One Vision will recruit 90-100 workers for their in-house repairs and maintenance service. UCATT which has been working closely with the housing association, is hoping that the many of the former Connaught workers are recruited to work for the in-house service.

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George Guy, Regional Secretary of UCATT's North West Region, said: "The decision by One Vision to take their repairs service in-house is warmly welcomed. It will be in the best interests of both tenants and workers. It is hoped that as many as possible of the former Connaught workforce, who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, will eventually find new employment directly with One Vision."

Following the collapse of Connaught, UCATT have been urging councils and housing associations who used the companies services to take contracts back in house and provide services directly.

(CD)