The Government has been criticised by a union representing public sector workers, which said recent income support changes failed to address mounting financial pressure on thousands of home support workers facing rising fuel costs.

The Public Service Association said about 23,000 home and community support workers were being hit hardest by increasing petrol prices, with many required to use their own vehicles daily to care for elderly and disabled people.

Public Service Association National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said, “This is a really disappointing decision and completely ignores the financial pressure on these essential workers.

“These workers have already had their pay equity claim cancelled by this government.”

Fitzsimons said the Government’s changes to income support for working families did little to help many workers in the sector, particularly those without dependent children.

“Nicola Willis promised to help workers ‘acutely impacted’, but she has ignored home support workers,” she said.

“They are low paid, predominantly female workers who provide critical care to elderly and disabled New Zealanders every day. They are the only publicly funded workers required to use their own vehicles in this way.”

She said rising petrol prices were having a direct impact on workers’ finances.

“Rising petrol prices hit them directly in the pocket with every shift.”

The union said a simpler solution was available by increasing the mileage allowance paid to workers for travel between clients.

“The Government has a fast, ready fix available by raising the mileage allowance,” Fitzsimons said.

Under current rules, the allowance was last reviewed four years ago and sits at 63.5 cents per kilometre, significantly lower than the Inland Revenue rate of $1.17 per kilometre for petrol vehicles.

Fitzsimons said the Health Minister could move quickly to increase the rate.

“The Health Minister could direct that rate to be lifted immediately, no complicated fiddling with the tax and transfer system, no delay, just fast, real help for the people who need it most.”

Palmerston North home support worker Susan Miers said rising fuel costs were already affecting her daily life.

“It’s not very much really it’s not going to make a difference to us,” she said.

“I’m paying $40, $50 more a week than I was just a couple of weeks ago. It’s coming out of my food budget, because it’s the only thing I can change. I’ve already had to borrow money off of people to make things work.”

Fitzsimons said the situation was placing further strain on workers already under pressure.

“The Government has ignored these workers in their time of need, rubbing more salt into their wounds. It’s disgraceful.

“The PSA will continue to fight for workers doing essential mahi in this crisis, workers who have no choice, but to drive to the people they care for every day. They deserve help now more than ever.”