§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with representatives of the UK financial services industry regarding the transfer of jobs abroad; and if he will make a statement. [142838]
§ Ms HewittI have been asked to reply.
I am in regular contact with the financial services industry, as with many other sectors. In relation to the transfer of jobs abroad, we need to understand better what is happening, and to this end we have launched a consultation document inviting views from businesses—including those from the financial services industry, employees and their unions, and consumer groups. We will also be holding a round-table seminar in the New Year, to help inform the debate on the impacts of offshoring. The Government are also an observer on the Scottish Financial Services Strategy Group, recently set up by the Scottish Executive, which has a remit to boost financial services in Scotland and is also considering the impacts of outsourcing.