Health workers in Wales who rely on their car could soon be forced off the road in the face of sky-rocketing fuel prices unless crucial support is provided, say union leaders.
UNISON, the largest union representing health workers in Wales, has heard from NHS employees whose fuel costs have increased between £150 to £200 per month.
Image: Mehek Seth
The increasing cost of fuel is felt particularly acutely by community health and social care workers who have to pay for fuel to travel between appointments.
The union is now calling on NHS employers and the Welsh Government to consider an immediate additional fuel allowance for health workers who are out of pocket.
Dawn Ward, chair of the UNISON Cymru/Wales health committee, said: “Community NHS staff are worst hit where they are effectively subsidising the costs of fuel to be able to carry out their work.
“This will be the same for social care workers who often get even lower mileage rates for using their car for work in the local communities.”
Hugh McDyer, UNISON Cymru/Wales head of health (pictured above), said: “The current standard rates in NHS Wales of 45p up to 10,000 miles and 25p per mile for over 10,000 miles are supposed to cover the total cost of motoring.
“Now, because of the fuel rise there is growing evidence that this fails to meet even the cost of fuel, let alone the daily wear and tear costs.
“The HMRC mileage rates now need to be reviewed, even when fuel costs are relatively stable, health workers are telling us this does not cover the real cost of motoring, when using your car for work.
“All options need to be considered to address this matter as quickly as possible, otherwise there is a danger those vital staff will say they can no longer afford to use their car for work.”
The news comes as the cost of living crisis is set to wreak havoc in people’s lives, with household energy bills rising by £700 per year from next month and workers being squeezed to breaking point.
Protests have already been held over the issue, with more are set to follow. The next protest will be held in Cardiff on Saturday 2nd April, at 12.30 by the Nye Bevan statue, Queen St.
