Broke council set to axe 800 social workers

SCOTLAND’S largest local authority plans to cut more than 800 social work jobs and replace them with an NHS-style call centre.

Glasgow City Council claims the scheme, which could be copied by other cash-strapped councils, will free up more time for frontline staff.

But the plans have sparked fury among experts who warned the move was likely to hit service levels and  potentially place children in danger.

Ruth Stark, spokesman for The British Association of Social Workers, said: “There are two main concerns. The first is that, with cuts in other social services offered by Glasgow City Council, more work falls on a diminishing total workforce and that the overall standard of service falls.”

“The second concern is whether, in initial contact, key signs are missed about a high-risk situation for a child or adult. When call centres work well they can save a lot of time and legwork trying to find out where the right place is for the help you want.

“There’s nothing more frustrating than getting on to a call centre and speaking to someone who doesn’t have a clue about what you are looking for.”

LibDem MSP Robert Brown added: “The loss of 800 staff is something social services can ill afford. “I don’t understand the comment that ‘frontline staff will be freed up’ – in fact, they won’t be there any longer. There may be a case for a social work call centre – but if so, consideration should have been given to using a one stop shop with NHS 24.”

Ronnie Stevenson, Social Work convener for Glasgow City Branch of UNISON warned the council was underestimating the impact of the plans. He said: “Non-frontline staff are absolutely essential for the delivery of services.”
   
Glasgow City Council has offered early retirement to all workers over 50 in a scheme which will cost £100million.

The offer has been taken up by 820 staff in the social work department, roughly one in six of the 4,900-strong workforce.

At the same time, social workers will be deployed to a call centre, known as Social Care Direct, which the council said would provide “administrative support” to frontline teams.

A council spokesman said: “The basic idea is to make it easier for vulnerable people to access the support they need.”