Trade unions to protest cuts to Glasgow health and social care

Trade unions will protest in Glasgow today, as more than 145 jobs in Glasgow’s health and social care services come under risk of being cut as part of plans to address a £42.5 million budget shortfall.

A supported living service for older people, including those with dementia, is under threat, while a counselling service for sexual assault survivors at the Sandyford clinic could also be axed.

Unions warn that services are at “breaking point” and facing a funding deficit of £120 million over the next three years.

Glasgow’s integration joint board (IJB), which oversees the health and social care partnership (HSCP), receives funding from both the council and NHS.

It will meet on Wednesday to set its budget.

Ahead of the decision, trade unions—including Unison, GMB and Unite—will stage a protest outside the HSCP’s Albion Street offices this afternoon.

IJB chiefs have drawn up a package of savings in response to what they describe as “unprecedented” financial pressures.

However, their budget does not include the additional £45.3 million cost of responding to a Home Office decision to accelerate asylum claims, which Glasgow City Council has agreed to cover.

Under the proposals, nearly 73 full-time equivalent jobs in council-run services and 75 roles within health services could be eliminated.

Officials insist there will be no compulsory redundancies, with vacant posts left unfilled and staff redeployed where possible. Some employees may take voluntary redundancy or early retirement.

Service cuts and rising charges

Just over £5 million in savings has already been approved, with a further £37.3 million in cuts set to be considered on Wednesday.

Axing the supported living service, which provides social care for almost 40 older residents, would save £2.8 million and affect 60 staff.

Officials say the number of service users has dropped significantly, and those impacted would be assessed for alternative support.

Removing the Sandyford counselling service, which offers support for people affected by sexual assault, pregnancy termination and other sexual health issues, would save £200,000. Five staff members would be affected.

Further reviews are planned in commissioned services for alcohol and drug recovery, homelessness support, psychotherapy, and health improvement.

A report to the board describes the financial pressures as “unprecedented,” with funding allocations failing to keep pace with rising costs and demand.

A spokeswoman for the HSCP said: “These proposals, which will be presented to the IJB at its meeting on 19 March, aim to protect core services and minimise the impact of budget pressures on staff, patients and service users.

“It’s evident we need to change the way we operate in some services in order to manage demand and still deliver our core services. We are committed to supporting staff through this change. Staff will not be required to do more with less resources.

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