Wolverhampton and Walsall hospital staff to protest tomorrow against new parking fees

From November 1, staff at the two hospitals working more than 22.6 hours per week will face a monthly charge of £30 to park at work.

Those working less than 22.6 hours per week will be charged £18 per month.

Unison said the move has gone down like a ‘lead balloon’ and will make ‘hard-pressed’ staff look for work elsewhere.

But the hospital said due to financial challenges it could no longer support free parking for staff.

Workers will gather outside Walsall Manor Hospital, Pleck Road, at 1pm on Wednesday (October 29) to protest against the decision.

Ollie Hopkins, regional organiser at Unison, said: “Hospital staff shouldn’t have to pay to park when they go to work at Manor Hospital and New Cross. Many have little choice but to drive.

“The charges in Walsall and Wolverhampton have been reimposed with less than four weeks’ notice and that’s gone down like a lead balloon with employees.

“This hits low-paid staff such as healthcare assistants, porters and cleaners, many of whom earn just 30p per hour more than the minimum wage.

“Hard-pressed workers can’t afford to lose £30 a month from their wages in parking fees, and could lead to them seeking less demanding jobs elsewhere.”

Charges were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic but government funding for this provision ended in 2022.

The Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trusts said charges have been brought back at most across the country, and Wolverhampton and Walsall are among the last to do so.

Group chief executive Joe Chadwick-Bell said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision to take as we appreciate there is still a cost of living crisis and things remain tough for many of the families and communities who work in our organisations and use our services.

“The trust has avoided reintroducing charges for as long as possible, however the financial challenge the trust has means that we can no longer support free parking.

“We are sorry to have to do so from November, but we must ensure our funds are spent on patient care as a priority.

“Parking spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis and we encourage staff to use public transport or car share to reduce demand and support our sustainability ambitions.”