Stories

Mon, 01 Jun 2026

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 Home care workers face fuel cost spike fears

Home care workers must be paid for their mileage and travel time, a Sheffield-based carer says.

* A government spokesperson said they were "determined to keep costs down for motorists" but a carer claimed it was "a necessity" that all home care workers receive support for fuel expenses.
* The price of petrol has risen by 26.7p per litre since the start of the Iran war in February, with some employers only paying their staff 35p per mile.
* Care industry bodies say firms cannot afford to increase mileage rates due to low pay from local authorities and NHS integrated care boards.
* A government spokesperson said they were "taking action to put money in the pockets of our vital care workforce" but critics argue more investment is needed in the sector.