25/03/2011

Consumer Watchdog Overpays Staff

The Consumer Council has admitted overpaying 29 members of staff by almost a quarter of a million pounds over six years.

Its Chief Executive has apologised to consumers after the finding was identified during an independent audit report.

CEO of the Consumer Council, Antoinette McKeown, commented: "It shouldn't have happened and, as Chief Accounting Officer, I am fully committed to resolving this matter promptly and ensuring that it doesn't happen again. We know that Northern Irish citizens expect us to manage their money well, and we didn't on this specific issue."

The Consumer Council has confirmed it is working with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to address the problem.

Ms McKeown said: "I can give an absolute commitment that whilst we work to resolve this current issue, we will not be deflected in our core mission to represent and speak up for consumers in Northern Ireland."

(JG/GK)

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