Written question asked by Ann McKechin (Labour) on Friday, 13 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 April 2012. It was answered by Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 23 April 2012 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Consumer Direct: Scotland

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff were employed by the Consumer Direct helpline in Scotland in 2011; and how many of these were transferred to the Citizens Advice service in April 2012.

Answer: In 2011 the Consumer Direct helpline in Scotland, based in Shawbost on the Isle of Lewis, employed 21 staff. All staff were offered the opportunity to transfer to the Citizens Advice service through TUPE and 20 staff transferred on 2 April 2012.In addition 18 new positions have been created at the new Citizens Advice consumer service located in refurbished premises in Stornoway. These are a combination of full- and part-time roles. Throughout the transition from the Consumer Direct service, formerly run by the Office of Fair Trading, to the Citizens Advice consumer service, Citizens Advice Scotland has worked closely with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to protect jobs and ensure sustainable employment in Lewis for years to come.This has been a very welcome and positive development for the Isle of Lewis and for nearly a quarter of a million consumers who will continue to benefit from expert advice each year.

Secondary information