As you all know, in July the NHS Staff Council announced a paltry mileage uplift to 10p for NHS cyclists - while DH staff received 20p.

All is not lost...

Did you see the Next Steps section of NHS Employers website?

http://www.nhsemployers.org/pay-con...itions-3179.cfm

Excerpt:
"A joint sub-group of the Staff Council is reviewing the whole system of reimbursing travel expenses for NHS staff and will consult employers and staff on any proposed changes. The target date for completing this is the end of 2008."

There is no time to lose......
As a UNISON member but not a Union activist I am striving to find out who sits on this sub-group and when they are meeting so we can lobby them to increase the cycling rate.

The Green Unison officer David Arnold advises I request my branch pass a motion (a nursing metaphor?). It is not easy. I do not have time. We do not have time. However I am pursuing all channels both local and national.

I urge all Spokes members to lobby their unions urgently on this matter and feedback the results of their enquiries and efforts to the network.

We should be striving for 50p per mile for cyclists as provided by progressive NHS Trusts such as Bristol PCT.

A luta continua

Vincent Walsh

I cycle therefore I am