Fuel disruption advice

September 27, 2021

Colleagues will be aware that there is currently an issue with normal supply and demand of vehicle fuel, caused by a nervous public who are panic buying more fuel than they otherwise would. Unfortunately this has the potential to affect some services, so we have taken steps to mitigate the effects where possible. We are advised that the situation is expected to return to normal in the coming days, as there is plenty of fuel at UK refineries and terminals.

Our expectation is that all staff who are required on site make every effort to get to work, using alternative means of transport where necessary.

We will be keeping a close watch on the situation but in the meantime we would ask colleagues to take the following actions where possible:

• If your line manager agrees it is appropriate to do so please work from home.
• Please consider whether you could car share safely, observing our current infection prevention and control rules such as:
  • Wear a fluid resistant surgical mask during the journey.
  • Share the transport with the same people each time where possible.
  • Minimise the group size at any one time.
  • Open the windows for ventilation.
  • Travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow.
  • Keep your bags on your lap if possible.
  • Wash/gel your hand before and after the ride.
  • Avoid eating inside the car while sharing.
• Use public transport, walk or cycle where you can.
• Escalate any issues you are experiencing to your line manager, to ensure they are fed back to the tactical team.

Colleagues should note that the Trust will not be booking taxis for colleagues so please do not ask our transport team to do so.

If our response changes we will issue another message to keep you informed of the actions you should take.