Record fuel prices mean NHS staff are now paying to go to work, GMB Union has warned.
Petrol prices set a new record of 178.5p a litre today, with diesel hitting a massive 185.2p a litre. [1]
Based on average UK fuel consumption, this equates to 21 or 22 pence per mile. [2]
The NHS provisions for mileage are just 20p per mile after the first 3,500 miles – with many community staff averaging more than 10,000 miles.
A £60 per month ‘wear and tear’ payment to staff has also been cut.
GMB is calling for an urgent review on the mileage allowance provisions.
An NHS Community Nurse, who asked to remain anonymous, said:
“I use my own car for work and after 3,500 miles it’s literally costing me money to do my job.
“I average around 10,000 miles a year. Fuel prices have been steadily increasing yet NHS bosses are not taking this into account and raising our mileage allowance in relation to this.
“It’s yet another kick in the teeth.”
Holly Turner, GMB Organiser, said:
“We are campaigning for an immediate review of NHS Mileage Allowance for NHS community staff.
“We are sick and tired of our members not being valued and paid appropriately for their hard work and dedication.
"There hasn’t been an increase in this allowance for nearly eight years, whilst monthly ‘wear and tear’ payments have been axed.
“We’re calling on NHS employers to step up and stop selling our members short.”
Notes to editors:
[2]
Litre price (Petrol) | 178.5 | Litre to gallon conversion rate | 4.54609 |
Litre price (Diesel) | 185.2 | ||
Gallon Cost (Petrol) | 811.48 | Average UK MPG | 38 |
Gallon Cost (Diesel) | 841.94 | ||
Petrol price per mile | 21.35 | ||
Diesel price per mile | 22.16 |
