NHS staff in the East of England hit with more than £5 million in car parking fees
The GMB Union is calling on the Government to scrap charges altogether
Low-paid NHS workers in the East of England were hit with more than £5 million in car parking charges last year, new figures show.
Data released by NHS Digital shows health workers in the East of England forked out a whopping £5,280,843 just to park at work in the financial year 2023/24.
The two trusts which trousered the most were Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which took almost £1.3 million, followed by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with more than £1.1 million.
GMB’s NHS pay claim submitted earlier this year calls for NHS staff car parking charges to be scrapped.
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: "NHS workers have had their first above inflation pay rise after almost 15 years of cuts.
“They’ve suffered rocketing workloads, chronic understaffing and the fallout from a global pandemic.
“Health workers are on their knees – they need help and support.
“Charging them to park is kicking them while they are down.
“GMB calls on the Government and NHS employers to do the right thing and scrap staff car parking charges.”
What does the NNUH Trust say?
In a statement, The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Trust told us: "We offer free parking for all staff who work night shifts and at weekends and we continue to run two free park and ride services for staff.
"We charge staff a monthly fee for a hospital car park permit and those charges vary according to pay scales. Any income received from parking charges helps pay for other travel options and the cost of leasing additional parking spaces from third parties."
What does the Government say?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Hospital car park charges are the responsibility of individual NHS trusts, however any charges must be reasonable and in line with the local area.
“Free parking is available for all NHS staff who work overnight.”
We have contacted the Cambridge University Hospital Trust for a comment.