Care staff unable to get to work due to fuel panic buying
The boss of a care home provider says some of his staff have been turned away at petrol stations as they're not classed as essential workers
Last updated 27th Sep 2021
The boss of a North Yorkshire care provider has warned the fuel crisis "couldn't have come at a worse time" for the sector.
They're already struggling with a staffing crisis and now those who are working can't get to their patients because they can't get fuel for their cars.
It's as care workers aren't classed as essential, meaning they can't be prioritised to get fuel.
Lorry driver shortages has meant some fuel companies have struggled to get deliveries out, but it would have only led to few petrol stations having to close.
The announcement led to people panic buying fuel with queues to stations overflowing onto main roads.
Mike Padgham, Chair of the Independent Care Group, said: "Social care staff are not regarded as essential workers and therefore can't get access to fuel as a priority.
"Vulnerable people might go without the essential care they need if their carers can't get to them. It is vital that carers can reach those that need help or we could be faced with a very dangerous situation.
"When you combine this with the general shortage we have of care staff it makes the perfect storm. It couldn't have come at a worse time.
"I know some essential care givers have been turned away because they aren't viewed as essential when they very clearly are.
"This could be putting lives at risk if these workers can't give that vital care."