Almost 300 frontline A&E staff will be brought in to help tackle a “difficult” flu season, the health secretary has said, as the Scottish Government announced £20m in funding to bolster social care support.

Neil Gray said the cash pot will be used to increase social care capacity in a bid to reduce hospital admissions and relieve pressure on acute services.

It comes as eligible Scots are urged to take up the winter vaccine amid a warning flu season could come early this year, and be “potentially difficult”.

Children and young people have been urged to take up the jab in particular, as they may transmit the virus to vulnerable friends and family.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Ambulance Service will look to recruit around 290 staff members this year, including newly qualified paramedics and am

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