THE introduction of car parking charges for staff at the Alexandra Hospital has been put on hold while workers try to negotiate more reasonable rates.

Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust chiefs were expected to implement the new staff car parking charges on Friday - but the move was delayed while talks with staff continue.

Rates were to range from £20 per year for those earning up to £10,000, rising in steps to £250 for those on an annual salary of more than £55,000.

The money would be deducted from monthly pay with concessions for students, hospital residents, regular users and car sharers.

But Unison representative Nina Woodford said they were still looking to negotiate more reasonable charges.

"We have discussed lower charges but I cannot say anymore until I have spoken to staff about them," she said.

She aadded workers were demanding to know how the money would be used to improve the car parking facilities at the hospital.

"The staff do not mind paying a reasonable charge but they want to see improvements.

"So before we can agree to what they are going to charge, we need to know what is going to be done and when."

She added: "We are hoping to come to an agreement in the next week or so.

"However, if this cannot be done, we will have to bring in the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)."

A trust spokesman said: "Discussions are ongoing and we hope to come to some conclusion in the next few weeks."