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Energy Consumers support update.

In line with the commitment we made in the Clean Growth Strategy, the Department has been working alongside the implementation of the Each Home Counts Review to develop a digitally led consumer energy efficiency advice service. I am committed to ensuring that all consumers are able to access trusted impartial energy efficiency advice in order to reduce their bills, make their homes warmer and cut their homes’ carbon emissions. A key element of this will be a call centre to assist those unable to use the website.

The Department is procuring this call centre presently. The selected supplier, Sitel UK Ltd, has indicated that they require an indemnity in respect of liabilities that they may incur if employees of a former subcontractor providing telephone based services bring employment law claims against them in light of the alleged application of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE).

In relation to this, I am writing to inform you of a Departmental Minute which will be presented to Parliament today, giving notice of the Department incurring this contingent liability in the form of indemnity protection provided to Sitel UK Ltd.

We believe it is appropriate to incur this contingent liability, to ensure that trusted impartial energy efficiency advice can be provided to all consumers without further delay. We consider the provision of this liability as the best value for money option to ensure the new service is available to all.