The SNP’s MP and MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Angus MacNeil and Alasdair Allan, have welcomed confirmation from Citizens Advice Direct that the call-handling centre in Stornoway will be retained.
Andrew Bartlett, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice Direct has confirmed this in a letter to Angus MacNeil MP and follows meetings held between Citizens Advice Scotland, representatives of the local workforce and the islands’ two parliamentary representatives.
Angus MacNeil MP said:
Having met with Unison and a staff representative from the Call-handling Centre in Stornoway, I know just how concerned staff were about their future. The announcement that the jobs are safe is certainly very welcome news.
I am also pleased to receive confirmation that Citizens Advice Direct are actively recruiting posts for the centre and that they hope to soon have a full complement of staff in the centre in Stornoway.
Alasdair Allan MSP commented:
This is very positive news for the workforce and the wider island economy. The fact that CAD appear willing to keep this work in Stornoway is very positive.
The Scottish Government remains very committed to these jobs being in Stornoway in the longer term too, and I know from speaking to Citizens Advice Scotland that this is their preference too. I have therefore asked Citizens Advice Scotland what more can be done to provide security for the workforce. These are issues I have also raised with HIE and with Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing.
For just now however, I am delighted that real progress has been made and these much-valued jobs will be staying in this community.
A journal written by the SNP opposition group on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).
