Publish date: 5 July 2022
The Executive team continue to discuss the current issues around the cost of living, and rising fuel prices, and the impact this is having on many colleagues.
The Executive team has agreed to increase the existing fuel payment after 4,500 miles and up to 10,000 miles from 20p to 45p with effect from 1 July 2022.
The Trust currently pays 56p per mile for up to 4,500 miles, which is an increase on the NHS Agenda for Change (AFC) which is for the first 3,500 miles and 20p for each additional mile thereafter.
On 1 April 2022, the Executive Team introduced a fuel support offer which was due to end on 30 June 2022. It has been agreed that this offer will be extended until 30 September 2022.
The support offered is:
- Advances for fuel between 1 July 2022 and 30 September 2022 – one advance per colleague (if you have not previously received one)
- 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 you 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 |
(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 - Carer’s 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).