Publish date: 4 April 2022

The Executive team have been discussing the current issues around cost of living, cost of fuel and the impact these may be having on some colleagues.

The Executives have agreed the following two new measures to be put in place:

  1. Advances for fuel between 1 April 2022 and 30 June 2022 – one advance per colleague
  2. Support from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

For those who drive as part of their working day, we have looked at how we can help support colleagues during this difficult period and have agreed that we will provide a payment in advance based on the last three months average of a colleagues travel claims. This can then be paid back over a six month period starting in October 2022 pay. You must continue to submit your travel claims each month to be reimbursed for your travel expenses.

To request this advance your manager needs to complete the vehicle fuel support form with you and request details of your last three months claims, to be able to work out your average claim.

As an example:

 

                £

Month 1

140

Month 2

150

Month 3

160

Total

450

Average

150

 

 

 

 

Advance

150

 

 

Commence repayments over six month period starting in
October 2022 to March 2023

                      

(per month) £25

The Trust has also commissioned the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to deliver confidential appointments for staff over the next six months, providing access to specialist advice services. You will be able to discuss a range of topics that may be impacting on your wellbeing, including money and finance issues, housing, employment, relationships and much more.

Further information will be communicated in the coming weeks, however please see below the services available through CAB.

Financial support

Other

Benefits advice, including:

- Applying for Universal credit

- General benefit entitlement

Specifically:

- Employment support allowance

- Housing benefit

- Child benefit

- Disability living allowance

- Personal independence payments

- Carers allowance

Debt advice, including:

- Utility bills and debts including energy, water, broadband, TV and mobile phone

- Private or housing association rent arrears

- Credit, store and charge card debts

- Loan sharks and scams

- Parking penalty / charges

- Council tax discounts and arrears

Money advice, including:

- Financial capability advice including budgeting

- Pension wise advice

- Energy efficiency

- Accessing charitable funds

- Access to foodbanks

Employment advice including:

- Dismissal

- Discrimination

- Parental leave

Relationships and family advice:

- Divorce / separation / dissolution

- Death and bereavement

- Children and maintenance

Hate and discrimination

- Hate crime

- Unfair treatment

- Domestic abuse

All via our multi-channel delivery

Housing advice including:

- Actual and threatened homelessness

- Help with private and housing association landlords

- Neighbour disputes / neighbourhood issues

Immigration advice including:

- EU Settlement Status

- Immigration help for joining family members

- Nationality / citizenship

         

Our Wellbeing Hub also offers information and tools to help you further understand your benefit eligibility, and offers support through loans and financial education .

If you are affected by this, please ask your manager for a Health and Wellbeing conversation and if require support through our Staff Support Services, they can be contacted in confidence on 0151 330 8103 (Switch House) or 01925 664010 (Hollins Park).