Unite has warned that irreversible cuts to health and social care services across Scotland are inevitable without urgent new investment, following a stark report from the Accounts Commission.
The report into the finances of Integration Joint Boards highlights a widening gap between demand and available funding, with many boards drawing on reserves to bridge an almost £450 million shortfall.
The Accounts Commission concluded that existing funding levels are insufficient to meet rising costs and increasing demand within health and social care.
Unite says its representatives across Scotland are already seeing services reduced as a result of mounting financial pressures.
The union represents thousands of NHS and social care workers, including staff in care homes, estates teams, porters, ambulance services, medical equipment management, laboratories and operating theatres.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“Unite has demanded decisive action by the Scottish government to provide the finances necessary to deliver sustainable health and social care services.
“The Accounts Commission report starkly spells out that deep cuts are already underway.”
Audit Scotland and the Accounts Commission also reported in January that one in nine hospital beds were occupied due to delayed discharges in the 12 months to April 2025.
Unite argues that a significant proportion of the £440 million spent by NHS Scotland on delayed discharges could have been avoided if social care services had been adequately funded, allowing patients to be supported in the community.
James O’Connell, Unite lead officer for NHS workers in Scotland, said:
“Workers on the frontline have been clearly saying for years that they are at breaking point due to cuts, understaffing, rising demand and the growing complexity of services required for users.”
The union is calling for sectoral bargaining to establish a sustainable framework for social care, alongside improved pay, conditions and job security for workers.
According to COSLA, the social care budget faces an estimated £750 million funding gap.
Shauna Wright, Unite lead officer for social care in Scotland, said:
“The Scottish government might have given some extra money which can be used by local government to fund the real living wage for social care workers.
“That doesn’t come close to meeting our demand of pay parity for all social care workers.
“Massive levels of investment are needed but the Scottish government continue to offer scraps from the budget table.
“The sector is in crisis.”
