MSP Stewart Stevenson adds his brick to our Wall of Support

MSP Stewart Stevenson has become the latest political brick in our Wall of Support for better regulation of the electrical trade across Scotland.

The SNP politician has joined MPs and MSPs from the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, the Greens and his own party to back the long-running campaign  for the recognition of electricians as a profession.

Mr Stevenson, who represents Banffshire and Buchan Coast, said: “I am delighted to add my support to SELECT’s campaign urging the regulation of all electricians in Scotland.

“It is important for both safety and professionalism that we ensure anyone calling themselves an electrician holds appropriate qualifications.”

The politician, pictured above left with SELECT President Kevin Griffin, added: “Introducing a title of recognition will create greater trust between consumers and industry and should be standard practice in all types of construction work, be they multi-million-pound contracts or small domestic jobs.”

Mr Stevenson’s endorsement comes amid growing support for our campaign, which last month saw the Scottish Government pledge to publish a consultation  on regulation as part of its 2019-20 Programme for Government.

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “We would like to thank Mr Stevenson for adding his support to this vital cause. Improving the regulation of electricians will not only better help to protect people’s lives, but also has huge benefits for the wider Scottish economy.

“We are also delighted that the Scottish Government has committed to examining this issue, but continue to urge prompt action – this needs to happen sooner rather than later.”

SELECT is calling for Protection of Title to help ensure that anyone calling themselves an electrician is actually qualified to carry out the work. It has been estimated that as many as 16% of all domestic electricians operating in Scotland are either unqualified or under-qualified.

In addition to growing cross-party support, the campaign also has the backing of a number of industry organisations. Others who have contributed a brick to the Wall of Support include the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group (SEC) and the Energy Saving Trust.