AN industry body representing people working in Scotland’s electrical sector has said there is “overwhelming industry support” for regulation of the electrical industry.
Now the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) is urging more professionals to get their voices heard, which it insisted was vital to protect consumers.
In a consultation that closed in November, 90% of respondents welcomed the move.
Fiona Harper, SJIB secretary, said it was heartening to see such a high level of responses, with a wide cross-section of the industry taking an interest in its future.
She said: “It was equally pleasing to see that the vast majority of the responses have been positive about the need for some form of regulation, and that there is overwhelming support for protection of title for the profession of electrician.
“The responses show that there is a real appetite to deliver a bill through the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible to secure the safety of consumers and the integrity of the electrical sector in Scotland.”
READ MORE: Fewer firms go bust in pandemic than in 2019 as Covid funds boost business
Harper – who is also director of employment and skills at trade body Select – also urged electricians to have their say in a second consultation on regulation, launched by Business, Fair Work and Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn.
“These consultations are a major step towards a safer industry and we look forward to welcoming a new dawn for electricians and their customers in Scotland,”Harper said. “At present, anyone can claim to be an electrician and work on an electrical installation.
“It cannot be right that those who have completed a full apprenticeship and who work in the industry in a safe and competent manner, can be compromised by those who call themselves electricians but who have no or inadequate qualifications.”
Harper added: “Industry research suggests that the net benefits to Scotland from proper regulation of electricians will total around £58 million.”
“We would also benefit from higher electrical standards, a reduction in the number of injuries and deaths, better functioning installations, less need for call backs or for poor/unsafe work to be repaired, leading to improved customer satisfaction.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel