Unite has responded to criticism of its unofficial “complaints hotline” by insisting it is complying with data protection rules and won’t confuse residents or risk their safety.

The union has been encouraging residents of Livv Housing Group to contact its phone number to complain about the service they are receiving from the Knowsley-based landlord. Unite is in an acrimonious long-term pay dispute with Livv, which has prompted a succession of strikes by hundreds of staff.

In a short statement, a spokesperson for Unite said: “All data protection obligations are being complied with. The hotline clearly states it is a Unite hotline not Livv Housing.