UNISON has called for “strong legislation” to reform the private rental sector alongside a significant increase in council and social housing. 

The union, which recently partnered with Generation Rent campaign group, warned in a report published today that essential workers are increasingly struggling to afford a decent place to live. 

Affordability, standards, security and the treatment of renters were the four key areas that emerged from their discussions.

Unison assistant policy officer Sylvia Jones said: “From nurses keeping us healthy to teachers educating our children, our members are the very foundation of our society, yet our report exposes a shocking reality: a growing number of these essential workers are struggling to find a decent, affordable place to live.

“The new Labour government has a chance to be the solution.

“We need strong legislation to clean up the private rental sector — and criminalise rogue landlords who break the rules and mis-treat renters — alongside a significant increase in council and social housing.”