Home care workers face fuel cost spike fears
Summary
Home care workers use their own cars to visit clients and face rising fuel costs that are not fully covered by employers. While some receive mileage payments and travel time pay, many care workers struggle because funding from local authorities and health boards is insufficient to raise compensation.Key Facts
- Many home care workers drive hundreds of miles a week using their own cars for work.
- Fuel prices have risen sharply following the war in Iran, increasing the cost of petrol and diesel.
- Some employers pay mileage rates around 35p to 40p per mile, which often does not cover the full fuel cost for workers.
- In May, the UK Chancellor increased the tax-free mileage rate to 55p per mile to help workers who use their own vehicles.
- Most care companies say they cannot afford to pay the full 55p mileage rate due to limited funding from local councils and NHS boards.
- The Homecare Association estimates the minimum hourly price for homecare should be about £34.42, but local authorities typically pay around £24 per hour.
- Some care providers pay for workers’ travel time, but many do not, risking pay falling below the national minimum wage.
- Care sector leaders say it is unfair that workers cover some of the costs themselves, and more government or local funding is needed.
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