The new deal, which covers around 160 workers at the organisation, also incorporates improved conditions.

Unions Unite and UNISON said as well as the basic pay increase, the staff members will also benefit from an 8% increase in stand-by payments.

Additionally, the unions have secured an extra day’s holiday for St Andrew’s Day.

Throughout the deal, UNISON largely, but not exclusively, represented SBHA’s office-based staff, while Unite mostly represented workers in trades roles including joiners, painters, plumbers, plasterers, electricians, and roofers.

The pay deal, which runs from April, was “emphatically” accepted by 97% of Unite’s membership.

Pat Egan, Unite industrial officer, said: “The pay deal delivers a significant income boost for Scottish Borders Housing Association workers including those providing essential repair and maintenance services.

“It’s a deal which we are pleased to have got over the line and it was emphatically backed by our membership.”

Greig Kelbie, the regional organiser for UNISON, told Scottish Housing News that its membership also “overwhelmingly” backed the deal.

He said: “We were really pleased to agree the award for the hard-working staff members at Scottish Borders Housing Association. The deal was overwhelmingly backed by UNISON members.

“Housing association staff provide essential services to tenants and play a key role throughout the Scottish Borders. However, they themselves are not immune to rising costs for goods and services.

“We worked quite closely with the housing association and our colleagues in Unite and this deal is testament to what can be achieved when we work together.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Housing Association told Scottish Housing News: “We are pleased to have reached a positive outcome through constructive collective bargaining discussions with both UNISON and Unite unions. The agreed 5.5% pay increase and additional day’s holiday reflect our commitment to recognising the hard work and dedication of our valued team, especially during the current cost of living challenges.”