Mileage rates increase in Scotland called for by SASW

Following refusal of the UK Government to act SASW has called on the Scottish Government to work with COSLA to include funds for a fair mileage allowance rate for social workers and social care workers in this year's Scottish budget.
Scotland

The Scottish Association of Social Work is calling on the Scottish Government to offer social workers and social care workers a fair mileage rate, on a par with NHS colleagues, for travel while working. 

The Scottish Association of Social Workers (SASW), part of BASW UK, has a long running campaign with UK-wide colleagues to see a fair mileage rate for social workers and social care workers who need to use their cars for work and are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of living. 

SASW is calling on the Scottish Government to work with COSLA to fund an increase in the milage rate, so all social workers and social care workers are paid a rate of 60 pence a mile, while driving for work. The current usual rate of 45p is unchanged since 2011 and even then, not all workers are paid this.

SASW members and their colleagues across social services deserve a deal to match the recent uplift received by NHS (Agenda for Change) employees who now get 61p a mile for travel up to 3500 miles. SASW believes that this large disparity in terms and conditions for travel health, social work, and social care integration as whole. It belittles the hard work and dedication of social workers and social care workers across Scotland. 

Any increased payments to workers currently would be taxed but this would still provide a fair rate, supporting workers financially and put social workers and social care workers on a par with their colleagues in the NHS.  

In the latest knockback to the UK-wide mileage campaign for social workers and social care workers, the UK Government has confirmed to SASW and BASW that there is no plan to increase the tax-free mileage allowance (Approved Mileage Allowance Payments). We will continue to challenge the UK Government to act on this. 

Alison Bavidge, National Director of SASW, commented: 

“The UK Government’s latest refusal to act comes as little surprise but feels particularly unfair given the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. I remain disappointed that the Scottish Government continues to accept such disparities in public services they have committed to work in an integrated way.

“Workers in Scotland need action now and many of our members may be asking why they do not deserve the same support as NHS workers when it comes to mileage rates.

“I call on the Scottish Government and COSLA, representing our main employers, the local authorities, to ensure this year’s Scottish budget allows funds for a mileage rate increase.”