Dorset Council apologises for care workers free parking blunder

Dorset Council has apologised after care workers were denied access to a free parking scheme for health and care staff.

Earlier this week, Dorset Council said it's off-street car parks would be free to NHS staff and care workers during the lockdown.

But, Mandy Reid from All About Care says when her staff applied, they were turned away.

"I sent a link to all of my staff, they were so excited because they get very little for free.

"When they applied the e-mail came back stating "Oh, sorry, it's now for NHS workers only".

The email response from Dorset Council stated that the Senior Leadership Team at Dorset Council had decided the free parking scheme would apply to NHS staff only.

Mandy said at the time:

"I feel this is yet another kick in the teeth for care workers."

Dorset Council have apologised. They say the issue has now been corrected and any care workers who were turned away should reapply.

A spokesperson for the council said:

"We’re sorry if any care workers were told they weren’t eligible for free parking during this current lockdown period – this is incorrect.

"We have rebriefed the team to avoid any further confusion and kindly ask any care workers who were previously turned down to get back in touch with us so we can add them to our database."