HOME help services in Inverclyde are being temporarily cut back due to a staffing crisis caused by Covid-19.

Health and social care partnership chiefs say the home care service is 'experiencing higher than normal levels of absence' due to an increase in frontline workers either having to self-isolate due to being close contacts or testing positive themselves.

A statement said: "As a result the service will provide essential tasks only with immediate effect for a two-week period, which is in line with the service contingency plan.

"Every attempt will be made to minimise disruption and ensure individual essential needs are met."

Managers are contacting service users and agreeing any changes to current support plans.

The HSCP says it will continue to monitor staff absence levels on a daily basis and will formally review the decision again on July 29.