SUPPORT is growing for SELECT’S campaign for recognition of electricians as a profession after four more politicians backed the plans.
MP Philippa Whitford and MSPs Colin Beattie, Alexander Burnett and Graham Simpson have added their names to the association’s Wall of Support, which shows the names of those supporting the campaign for protection of title.
Mr Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said, “Putting regulations like this in place are not only vital in making Scotland’s homes safer, but also support the industry and those who work within it. It is of great importance that those who are properly trained and qualified in the field are the ones that we trust to cater for Scottish homes. Ensuring that they are certified not only guarantees that they are competent to do the work, but also strengthens the entire sector with electricians who are qualified to practice properly.”
Dr Whitford, SNP MP for Central Ayrshire added, “I am happy to add my name to SELECT’s Wall of Support. As householders are being discouraged from carrying out electrical work on a DIY basis, it is important that anyone they employ to do the work is appropriately qualified.”
Mr Burnett, Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West said, “The privilege of calling yourself an electrician should be limited to those who are qualified at this highly skilled profession. Not only will this prevent rogue traders from carrying out electrical work that could be unsafe, but it could also help reduce costs to the consumer, by preventing further repairs required on shoddy work.”
Mr Simpson, Conservative MSP for Central Scotland added, “Poor quality electrical work causes huge dangers to homes and business across Scotland. It is therefore vital to ensure that only properly trained and suitably qualified people carry out such work.”
Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie and SNP MSP Clare Adamson added their support earlier this year, along with Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston and the Green Party’s Alison Johnstone.
The issue has progressed through the Scottish Parliament and a Member’s Bill is currently being prepared for discussion later this year.
SELECT MD Alan Wilson said, “We welcome this latest support and are grateful to these four politicians for backing our ongoing campaign to make electrician a regulated profession. Regulation of the electrical industry is vital if we are to improve safety for both domestic and commercial consumers across Scotland. We will now continue to raise awareness of this issue and work towards our ultimate goal – making it an offence for someone to call themselves an electrician when they have no, or inadequate, qualifications.”
