Cuts to Glasgow’s link workers have been averted, with a commitment from the Scottish government of an additional £3.6m over the next three years.

The government says this extra funding will protect the existing Community Link Worker (CLW) service from cuts arising from a funding gap in the local health and social care partnership.

It comes after the ALLIANCE urged a reversal on this ‘funding crisis’ – with GPs in Glasgow’s most deprived areas raising concerns that cuts would hit people most in need.

These cuts sparked a petition taken to Scottish parliament, and last month concerns were heightened amid claims that Glasgow health leaders rejected partial funding for the CLW positions.

The Scottish government says it recognises the ‘particularly valuable’ contribution that CLWs make in deprived areas.

Alongside reducing pressure on GPs to focus on patients’ medical needs, the government says it values the role of CLWs to people experiencing the health consequences of poverty and inequalities.

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Michael Matheson, said:

“This additional investment into Community Link Workers, to address a funding gap identified by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, reinforces our commitment to narrowing health inequalities in the city by ensuring this valued element of primary care support continues to thrive.

“GPs in the city have made very clear how much they depend upon Community Link Workers to help them ensure that patients get the care and support they need.”

Earlier this year, the first ever Scottish CLW Network Conference heard that CLWs can’t solve health inequalities alone – and “fundamental drivers” like austerity must also be addressed.

Since then, Mr Matheson has echoed calls to radically change economic policy alongside wider efforts to truly make a difference to health inequalities.

Now, the government says it is working to ensure CLW services are consistently available where there is ‘greatest need’ for their support, after reinforcing its commitment to the service in its programme for government.

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf told parliament today that since learning of the risk to Glasgow’s service, the government engaged extensively with Glasgow HSCP to sustain this service, adding:

“Community Link Workers are fundamental and vital to tackling the inequalities we see throughout our communities that has been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis.

“I hope the decision to fund them for the next three years brings peace of mind not just to the staff whose posts were at-risk but most importantly to the communities that they serve.”

The government has committed to deliver £1.2m in each of the next three years to provide staff and practices with stability and ensure the number of posts remain at current levels.

Responding to the news, Professor Dr Andrea Williamson a Deep End GP serving some of the most deprived populations in Glasgow, told healthandcare.scot:

“I and GPs at the Deep End are delighted with this solution which demonstrates a commitment to our patients and practices.

“This provides hope for the future of healthcare in helping tackling inequalities and the social determinants of health.”

Michael Matheson said this solution came following “constructive collaboration” with Glasgow HSCP, adding that he too hopes this brings piece of mind to Glasgow’s CLWs, GPs, patients and communities.

Read more: Insight: Link workers' vital role; Community Link Workers can't solve inequalities alone; Money matters for poverty and health in Scotland; Can Scotland make health fairer?; Inside Scotland's widening health inequalities

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