Exclusive: NHS staff threaten strike over 40p mileage expenses

Jun 29 2008 By Marion Scott

HEALTH workers yesterday warned they will strike unless they are given more cash to cover the soaring cost of fuel.

District nurses, community psychiatric teams and social workers can claim 40p per mile for using their own cars to travel between jobs.

But the mileage rate has not changed in six years - when unleaded fuel was 70p a litre compared to an average £1.19 today.

And workers claim that means they are effectively paying to do their own job.

Community psychiatric nurse Lynda Forrest, 52, has been with NHS Lothian for more than 35 years but says soaring petrol prices could force her out of the job she loves.

She said: "I work on the frontline, in the community, to keep patients with enduring mental health problems living safely in their own homes.

"I get a real kick out of seeing patients living in their own homes, often after years in hospital.

"To do my job, I travel hundreds of miles a week but the mileage rate has not kept pace with soaring petrol prices and I'm losing between £15-20 a week.

"Our wages are low anyway - I get paid around £1300 a month. Now I'm seriously thinking of having to give up the job I love because I simply cannot afford to keep footing the petrol bill."

Livingston MP Jim Devine said: "I'm deeply concerned that nurses and other public sector professionals are effectively subsidising the Government to carry out their valuable work.

"If this issue does lead to strike action, it could create a very dangerous situation for the thousands of people who rely on these services." The mileage rate - set by the taxman - has not kept up with the inflation-busting fuel price hikes of recent years.

Some workers are paying around £60 a month more on fuel to cover the same mileage as before.

Every private and public sector worker who claims mileage has suffered. They include those working for all of Scotland's 32 local authorities and 15 health boards.

On Tuesday, unions will meet health bosses to thrash out an extra 5p per mile for workers using their cars for work.

Glyn Hawker, Unison's Scottish health spokesman said: "If we're successful we hope local government workers will negotiate similar rises."

Dr Peter Carter, head of the Royal College of Nursing, added: "Nurses who work in the community have no choice but to use a vehicle to reach patients in their own homes.

"It's unacceptable many of them are now subsidising the NHS."

And Irenee O'Neill of the Independent Federation of Nurses said: "Instead of flying off to speak to Saudi oil producers, our Prime Minister needs to slash fuel tax and raise the Revenue and Customs mileage rate."

Local government unions are threatening ballots over the mileage issue and wage agreements next month.

UK motorists pay the highest fuel tax in Europe, with the taxman taking 60p out of every £1.

THE NURSE

AFTER 42 years service with NHS Glasgow, Kay Boyde, 57, says she has never seen so many of her colleagues on the brink of quitting.

Kay, of Helensburgh, said: "Everyone's at the end of their tether because it's costing them money to do their jobs.

"What I can claim goes nowhere near running costs, insurance, tax and wear and tear never mind the cost of petrol.

"We carry out essential work, caring for patients at home after surgery, and the terminally ill.

"I spend at least £70 a month on petrol but only get £30 of that back."

Kay, who takes home £1800 a month, said: "I'm luckier than others who earn substantially less and are suffering even more."

   

THE CARER

A DOZEN frail pensioners and dementia sufferers rely on dad-of-four John McLaughlin to help them with washing, household chores and a connection to wider society.

But after six years in a job he loves with South Lanarkshire Council, John, 49, of East Kilbride, is feeling the pain of the fuel price hikes.

He said: "I take home £800 a month and can spend as much as £170 on petrol doing my job.

"I get 40p a mile but lose £60 a month because the mileage rate doesn't cover the true cost.

"The government has to do something to help key workers like us.

"We're at breaking point and it's the most vulnerable and needy in society who will suffer."