More politicians #BackTheBrick for regulation
SELECT’s ongoing campaign for regulation of the electrical industry has been boosted by the backing of two more politicians.
MP Stephen Kerr and MSP John Mason have added their names to our Wall of Support, which shows those supporting the crusade for Protection of Title.
In his ‘brick’ on the wall, Mr Kerr, Conservative MP for Stirling, said: “I would encourage all elected representatives to support this campaign.
“Electricians are highly skilled professionals that undergo a thorough qualification process. That professionalism is vital to ensure work is carried our safely and to the standards required.”
Mr Kerr, pictured above with SELECT Immediate Past President Eric Rae, added: “There are far too many instances of shoddy work having dreadful consequences. The success of this campaign will be to ensure that can no longer happen.”
Voicing his support for the #BackTheBrick campaign, Mr Mason, SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, added: “I am very happy to add my name in support of SELECT’s campaign for introduction of Protection of Title for electricians.
“Having registered tradesmen with recognised accredited qualifications carry out electrical works is essential for both the safety and peace of mind of Scottish homes, businesses and people.”
The politicians’ endorsement comes as part of growing cross-party support for the campaign. Earlier this month, SNP MP Dr Philippa Whitford added her name to the wall, along with SNP MSP Colin Beattie and Conservative MSPs Alexander Burnett and Graham Simpson.
Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Willie Rennie and SNP MSP Clare Adamson also added their names earlier this year, along with Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston and the Greens’ Alison Johnstone.
The issue has now progressed through the Scottish Parliament and a Member’s Bill is currently being prepared for discussion later this year.
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “We welcome this latest support and are grateful to Stephen and John 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.”
Other bodies that have contributed a brick to the wall include the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group and the Energy Saving Trust.
View the SELECT Wall of Support here.