Consumer advice jobs for islands

The centre will be on the west side of Lewis

A small Western Isles community has received a major boost with the creation of 40 consumer advice jobs.

Shawbost on Lewis is to be the site of Consumer Direct, a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) call centre offering information on customers' rights.

DTI research from pilot projects has shown that the average saving for each caller to the service is £100.

The Western Isles Council described the £30m initiative as a hugely important project for the area.

From summer 2004, Consumer Direct will provide help for consumers across Scotland, two English regions and Wales via a single phone number.

All Scottish calls, on everything from how to stop scams to advice on rogue traders, will be directed to the Western Isles.

A national roll-out will follow with more regions getting the service by spring 2005.

Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Western Isles Council, Alex MacDonald said: "This is a hugely important project as Consumer Direct will provide a first class helpline service for consumers throughout Scotland."

The £30m initiative, modelled in part on the successful NHS Direct, is said to mark the biggest single change in the way people can exercise their rights for more than 25 years.