The campaign for regulation in the electrical industry, specifically the introduction of title protection for electricians, has gained new momentum in 2024.
Recently, four members of the Scottish Parliament, including former government ministers, have endorsed the initiative, signaling a broadening base of political support.
Ivan McKee, SNP MSP for Glasgow Provan and former Business and Trade Minister, emphasised the crucial role of electricians in the future energy landscape. He stated, “Our future heating and energy demands will be met by technology such as solar panels, battery storage, and electric heating, which means that electricians will play an ever-increasing role in all our lives.” McKee supports the campaign led by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body, advocating for the regulation to ensure qualified professionals in the field.
Kevin Stewart, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central and former Transport Minister, highlighted the critical nature of the profession, noting, “Being an electrician is a safety critical profession, so it is vital that only those people with appropriate skills and qualifications carry out such work.”
The campaign, which has been active for several years, also received backing from Conservative MSPs Craig Hoy and Oliver Mundell. Hoy, representing South Scotland, recognized the public safety risk posed by unqualified individuals claiming to be electricians. Mundell, from Dumfries-shire, stressed the importance of informed consumer choices in employing electricians.
This increasing support follows previous endorsements from Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury and several construction organisations, including the Building Safety Group, LINIAN, Flexel, and Hager.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, expressed his encouragement at the growing support, especially from those with ministerial experience. He remarked, “As we enter another year in our long-running campaign, it is particularly heartening to receive even more support from prominent parliamentarians.” Wilson emphasised the role of electricians in the transition to a net-zero future and the focus of the campaign on safety in homes and businesses.
Supporters of the campaign, by adding their names to a ‘virtual brick’ in the Wall of Support, publicly endorse legislation in Holyrood that would criminalise the act of falsely claiming to be a qualified electrician.
The campaign, supported by SELECT along with other industry bodies such as the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), aims to ensure safe and competent practices within the industry. The initiative has garnered the support of over a third of MSPs and various organisations, including 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.
