MORE than 170 healthcare staff in the South Eastern Trust missed out on mileage payments totalling tens of thousands of pounds last month amid soaring fuel costs.
Staff, most of whom are community nurses or carers, were due to get an increase in their mileage rate as the price of diesel and petrol continues to rise.
However, 173 staff missed out on the money - an average of £160 each.
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath said it was initially thought that staff would have to wait several weeks for the missed payments, totalling £28,000.
However, the money was paid yesterday.
Mr McGrath said some of those affected were low-income workers.
"For many families this money could be the difference between a comfortable month or an incredibly stressful month of trying to make ends meet," he said.
"At a time like this there are few people who could afford to miss out on this kind of money, especially with many of these health staff travelling significantly as part of their role.
"The price of petrol continues to climb and that will hit these people directly in their pockets."
Mr McGrath thanked the Business Services Organisation, which supports health and social care bodies, and the South Eastern Trust for resolving the issue.
"When I initially contacted them it looked like staff may have to wait until the next payment cycle to receive what they are owed, but following discussions we secured an off-cycle payment on June 7 that ensures nobody will have to wait longer than necessary for the shortfall to be made up," he said.
"Mistakes happen and I appreciate this was resolved as quickly as possible for the benefit of the staff who do so much good work looking after people in our communities."
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said: "During the month of May, there was an issue identified in relation to travel claims calculated incorrectly for a group of 173 staff."
"This system issue was identified by one of our payroll managers during normal due diligence checks before the May close down," she said.
"It was reported immediately to the system provider on May 16 in an attempt to correct the issue for the May pay run.
"Unfortunately, despite a number of attempts, this could not be corrected on the system in time and a manual off cycle payment was instead initiated for the variance.
"This payment will be received into the individuals' bank on Tuesday June 7."
