Driven out of work: the impact of mileage rates on frontline public service workers
New research from UNISON, drawing on analysis from the RAC Foundation, shows just how widespread a problem out-of-date mileage rates are for public service workers
New research from UNISON, drawing on analysis from the RAC Foundation, shows just how widespread a problem out-of-date mileage rates are for public service workers. Not only do they impact one in five frontline public service workers, but those staff are finding themselves many thousands of pounds out of pocket each year. The average community healthcare worker or council social worker driving a couple of hours per day to visit patients is losing out on more than £6000 annually, and care workers are losing out on over £5000.
The RAC Foundation’s calculations show that HMRC’s mileage rates should be 63.4p per mile, so the fact that they are stuck at 45p per mile is insulting. It’s a matter of fairness – it’s wrong that many of the lowest paid workers are subsidising their employers by paying the difference between actual costs of using a car for work and the mileage rates they’re allowed to claim. We applauded these frontline staff during the pandemic, but now they are paying a penalty to go to work.
This report sets out a way to fix mileage rates, so that unfair costs don’t fall on staff. If the government and employers are serious about supporting our public services – and the workforce delivering them – then they must urgently take action.
To take action on this vital issue, write to your MP here