Council staff suffering as fuel crisis bites

LOCAL government and care staff in Dorset are suffering because of the rising cost of fuel.

Local government and care staff in Dorset are suffering because of the rising cost of fuel.

“It is resulting in more financial stress and worry, having to cut back on other essentials and getting into debt,” said Unison branch secretary Becky Brookman.

She says that some workers are worried about having to fill up their cars for essential work use and then having to wait weeks to get the money back.

Unison says the current rate of 55p per mile, which went up by 10p earlier in the year on Inland Revenue advice, does not cover the full costs of running a vehicle for work.

The branch secretary has shared some of the responses from its members –

“I have had to look for alternative employment as I cannot afford to drive to work.”

“I have to borrow money from family members at least once per month to pay for fuel just to get to and from work.

“I cannot afford the financial impact of funding significant travel costs before reimbursement is received.”

“I am having to choose between fuelling my car or cutting back on other essentials”

Said Ms Brookman: “The fuel crisis this is having a major impact on our members, particularly those that have to travel for work.  Our members are contacting us as they are unable to pay fuel costs in advance, particularly for those working in the Care Industry who are on minimum wages but expected to undertake 100’s of miles a month for their employer.  The situation is dire.”

She says that the HMRC rates went up by 10p per mile in April after being the same amount since 2011, adding “but this nowhere near covers the cost of fuel and travelling for work.  While these expenses are eventually reimbursed, they don’t cover the wear and tear of using your own car for work or having to cover the cost of fuel upfront and then wait until the end of the month for repayment, particularly given the rising cost of living and day-to-day expenses.”