Freeze on health and care jobs stays amid new cash woes

Published on Saturday 16 August 2008 11:31

A RECRUITMENT freeze and overtime restrictions in the city's health and social care sector are to continue after fresh financial problems were uncovered.

Last year, the council department plunged nearly 5 million into the red – sparking warnings that more cash is needed to help Edinburgh's vulnerable residents.

New figures now reveal the position after three months of 2008/09 is not much better, with "pressures" identified of 4.4m.

The council said management action and contingency plans already in place will reduce this to an overspend of 1.5m, but have warned that it is "essential" for the budget to be balanced.

Last year's controversial recruitment freeze is to be continued, along with controls over the use of agency staff and overtime.

In 2007/08, a number of roles were left unfilled. Director of health and social care Peter Gabbitas said: "The staffing budget for 2008/09 is 77.2m and represents 40 per cent of the gross budget.

"Controls were put in place in 2007/08 and are continuing in the coming year."