Cost of living squeeze sees nurses’ mileage rate rise extended
Higher mileage rates for nurses in Northern Ireland extended for further six months amid worries over community nurses across the UK being out of pocket
Increased mileage rates for nurses and other health and care staff in Northern Ireland have been extended for a further six months amid the cost of living crisis.
The Department of Health confirmed an enhanced rate for work-related car travel will continue until the end of September.
The move comes amid concern about the impact of rising fuel costs on community nurses across the UK, with many saying they have been left out of pocket.
Mileage rates for Agenda for Change staff in Northern Ireland, including district nurses, were previously set at 56p per mile for the first 3,500 miles and 20p per mile after that.
RCN says action is crucial to tackle impact of fuel price rises on nursing staff
In June 2022, the rate for mileage above 3,500 miles was increased from 20p to 30p per mile for an initial six-month period. This was later extended to the end of March 2023 and the Department of Health has now confirmed it will continue until September.
The Northern Ireland Assembly is currently suspended due to a political impasse. The department said it would continue to work with unions to look at options for a ‘Northern Ireland specific approach to mileage’ to be considered when a minister is in post.
RCN Northern Ireland director Rita Devlin said some community nurses drive hundreds of miles per week to see patients. She said: ‘As the cost of living pressures continue, these dedicated staff members should not be left in financial difficulties as a result of doing their jobs.
‘We welcome the measures taken by the Department of Health to ensure an extension of the increased mileage rates in the absence of a minister. It is crucial that action is taken to tackle the impact of fuel price rises on nursing staff in all sectors in the future.’
What is happening with mileage rates in other UK nations?
England
Mileage rates are reviewed twice a year by the NHS Staff Council. Following the most recent review in November 2022, the rate increased as of January this year to 59p per mile for the first 3,500 miles and then 24p per mile after that.
Scotland
In April 2022, the Scottish Government announced a temporary 5p increase in mileages rates – from 56p to 61p per mile for the first 3,500 miles and from 20p to 25p per mile after that.
This was extended and has since been included in the recently implemented Agenda for Change pay offer for 2022-23.
Wales
NHS Wales previously based mileage rates on the HMRC-approved mileage allowance of 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles. Rates were temporarily increased to 50p per mile in April 2022.
In August, the Welsh Government confirmed the 5p per mile increase would continue for staff on Agenda for Change contracts.
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