Parking charge burden could be final straw for NHS staff, says UNISON

Inflation-busting pay rise needed more than ever

Responding to the health secretary’s announcement that free parking for hospital staff will end on Friday, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said today (Tuesday): “This is no way for the NHS to hang on to staff in in the current job market. Parking charges will add hundreds of pounds to the massive cost pressures already facing health staff and reduce their 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.

“More than a third (39%) of staff have had to ask family or friends for financial support in the last year, according to UNISON research. More than two fifths (43%) say they’re taking on extra work to make ends meet.

“This is the reality facing health workers. An inflation-busting pay rise is vital to stop more staff leaving NHS jobs this year.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.