Jessica O'ConnorFree e-bikes, discounted bus travel and other incentives are needed to encourage low-paid care workers to use green transport, Campaign for Better Transport’s latest report argued.
The charity has called on the Government and employers to help care staff make the switch through car sharing and clubs, schemes to buy or lease electric vehicles (EVs) and other measures to cut CO2 emissions.
Backed by UNISON, the union for social care staff, the report revealed how communities depend on these frontline workers to look after elderly and vulnerable people in their own homes.
The report, entitled Greening social care, showed how domiciliary staff rely heavily on cars in order to carry out their jobs effectively, including meeting tight schedules.
More than a third (36%) said they drive over 400 miles a month for work.
More than two thirds (71%) travelled between home visits in their own vehicles, of which the majority are petrol or diesel, making a significant contribution to air pollution and carbon emissions.
Only one in 10 (10%) travelled by public transport for their work because many say they find it too unreliable or infrequent.
Fuel costs were also a huge burden on home care workers.
More than half (51%) of home care workers said they typically spend over £100 a month on petrol or diesel for work, compared to a quarter (25%) of all care workers.
EVs are cheaper to run, particularly if charging at home. Yet a majority (61%) of home care workers believed they are too expensive to buy, and only a small proportion (2%) said they own a hybrid or EV.
In addition to incentives, such as EV leasing or purchasing schemes, the report said employers must also rethink how they allocate care visits.
This could significantly reduce the travel distances required of domiciliary carers, decrease fuel expenses and the impact on the environment.
Gavin Edwards, UNISON head of social care, said: “Home care workers provide a vital service in communities. They mustn’t be left behind as the public sector moves towards greener working practices.
“Many are expected to travel hundreds of miles to look after elderly and vulnerable people. Employers and the government need to make it easier for care staff not to rely on their cars for work.
“E-bikes, subsidised public transport and other incentives are needed urgently to help them make the switch.”
Silviya Barrett, Campaign for Better Transport director of policy and campaigns, said: “Hundreds of thousands of people rely on care workers daily for their most vital needs. These frontline staff are also low-paid and highly dependent on cars to do their jobs.
“Policymakers must understand their views and experiences to decarbonise transport fairly without burdening or excluding them. Employers too must make it easier for care staff not to rely on their cars for work.
“This report shows how targeted support can reduce emissions even in this tricky area, while making life easier and cheaper for this essential workforce.
“These measures can also serve as a practical example of how to transition critical sectors to a decarbonised future in a fair and efficient way.”
