North East NHS trusts must defy the government’s decision to scrap free parking for staff, or risk driving under-pressure workers from the health service.
In a letter to six NHS trusts* that haven’t ruled out reintroducing the charges, UNISON has urged them to do the right thing and not hit staff in the pocket, as the cost-of-living crisis intensifies.
The letter says: “The continuation of free parking for all NHS hospital staff who have given tirelessly during COVID-19 is achievable and something the trust should continue with permanently.”
The letter highlights the severe financial pressures NHS staff are facing. It continues: “More than a third (39%) of staff have had to ask family or friends for financial support in the last year. More than two fifths (43%) say they’re taking on extra work to make ends meet. This is the reality facing health workers.”
UNISON is calling on trust managers to discuss ways to support staff struggling financially rather than introduce measures that will heap more pressure on household finances.
The letter concludes: “Staff on the brink of leaving the NHS may well see the reintroduction of parking charges as the final straw. This could mean them quitting when the NHS needs experienced staff more than ever.”
UNISON Northern regional secretary Clare Williams said: “Bringing back costly parking charges won’t help the NHS hang on to staff in in the current job market. This move will add hundreds of pounds to the cost pressures already facing health staff and reduce morale even further.
“Those already on the brink of leaving the NHS may well see this as the final straw and head for the exit, just as the service needs experienced staff the most. The continuation of free parking and an inflation-busting pay rise is vital to stop more staff leaving NHS jobs this year.”