WORKERS at the council could receive help with gambling-related problems following calls for Glasgow to lead the way on tackling the issue.

Medical professionals and academics have labelled gambling a “significant public health issue” – with the council hoping to host a summit to thrash out how problems can be addressed.

In September, Gerda Reith, a professor in social sciences at the University of Glasgow, who has been researching gambling for around 20 years, backed the authority’s plan, saying it would be great if Glasgow could lead the way on the issue.

Now, the council is planning to set up a cross-party working group to outline how it can”provide meaningful support to employees at risk, experiencing or recovering from the effects of harmful gambling”.

Councillors are expected to approve the group’s formation at a meeting on Tuesday.  It would “develop an approach that seeks to act as a model of good practice in employer support for employees”. The group would put together an action plan, which would be reported back to councillors.

“Unite the Union has produced an interesting charter aimed at employers that seeks to establish a framework for action to help employers build good practice on harmful gambling,” a report states.

“It talks about leadership commitment, promoting a positive culture, support and training as well as recognising the adjustments that might need to be made to facilitate recovery for individuals affected by harmful gambling.”