Staff at a homeless charity could go on strike to combat “greed” after claims a top boss is taking home a six-figure salary.

Members of the Unite union working at St Mungo’s are currently voting on whether they will walk out over a bitter backpay dispute for the 2021/22 financial year.

The union says the chief executive officer (CEO) role at St Mungo’s saw its salary rise from £107,000 in 2013 to £189,000 in 2022 - but the charity argued the £189,000 figure was the salary of its previous CEO and that the new incumbent is earning a lower amount.

St Mungo’s would not confirm an exact or ballpark figure.

St Mungo’s also explained that it merged with another group in 2013, meaning it is “significantly larger than it was, runs far more services, and supports many more clients”.

Unite is demanding more for its members at St Mungo’s, which the union says earn an average of around £26,000 each year.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “St Mungo’s frontline workers are on the streets every night helping the homeless, but many can’t afford to pay their own rent.

“Now the workers are rebelling - they have no other choice. While charity bosses live the good life, frontline staff are facing the full force of the cost-of-living crisis.

“The charity can easily afford to give workers a fair pay deal and Unite is firmly on their side.”

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A spokeswoman for St Mungo’s, however, said the charity has been trying to reach a resolution with the union on pay dispute over backpay.

Staff received a 1.75 percent increase for the 2021/22 period.

“We have received official notification from Unite that it is balloting its members about potential strike action over the nationally agreed pay increase staff received for the year 2021/22,” the spokeswoman said.

“We are disappointed that our efforts to conclude this matter - which include early adoption and implementation of the 2022/23 pay rise of £1,925 and an additional cost of living payment of £700 for the majority of our staff - have so far been unsuccessful.”

Union members say that the charity can afford to increase their wage by a high amount, citing a reserve of £22.5 million.

However, the spokeswoman for St Mungo’s said: “It is also important to note that figures quoted related to St Mungo’s reserves do not reflect the current situation, but that at the end of March 2022.

"These reserves have been impacted by a number of factors, including early payment of the 2022/23 pay rise, and the cost-of-living payment. 

"We will continue to do all we can to avoid a strike, for our colleagues, for our partners and most importantly for our clients.

“Whatever the outcome of the ballot, our focus remains the safety and welfare of our clients – including those experiencing street homelessness – and running the vital services which support them.”

More than 500 workers across southern England including, London, Bristol, Brighton, Oxford, Bournemouth, Reading are voting on whether to strike.