Amid the drive to cut spending, the point was made at the Integration Joint Board meeting last week that pressures will continue to grow on third sector organisations contracted to carry out work on behalf of Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership.
Many of their employees have not had a wage increase for up to five years and some third sector partners were ‘too frightened’ to ask where they stand in the face of big cuts. IJB chairman Robin Creelman said: ‘As we move forward with transforming services, it is essential the third sector knows where it stands.’ Joanna MacDonald, HSCP chief off cer, added: ‘The third sector has been heavily involved in the development of the strategic plan.’