GMB backs Labour pledge to scrap 'Immoral' hospital parking charges
Years of NHS under-funding shouldn't be propped up by relatives of terminally ill patients and underpaid NHS staff says union.
GMB, the union for NHS staff, has backed Labour’s pledge to scrap NHS parking charges. [1]
Currently distraught relatives visiting terminally ill patients are hit with ‘immoral’ charges – while NHS staff in the midst of a seven year real terms pay cut have to rush out of work to pump coins into parking meters.
Hospitals rake in up to £190million a year from parking charges. [2]
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary for Public Services, said:
“We all know the NHS has been choked by years of Conservative underfunding.
“But expecting distraught families and underpaid staff to make up the difference through extortionate parking charges is not the answer.
"Hospital car parking is free in Wales and most of Scotland so it's only right for people in England to get the same treatment.
“Our NHS members have had their real terms pay cut for seven years in a row – and to expect them to fork out for sky-high car parking is an added kick in the teeth.
“GMB supports Labour's vow to end theses unfair and immoral charges with new funding.
"Whether you are a visitor of someone who is unwell or working flat out to care for patients, free car parking would mean one less thing for people to worry about."
