Halcro Johnston Seeks Law Change on Status of Electricians
Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston will lead a debate in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday which he hopes will lead to safer electrical work in Scotland.
Unlike those who work with gas, electricians are currently not on the list of regulated professions and anyone can advertise themselves as an electrician and undertake even complex electrical work.
With statistics showing that 69% of all household fires are caused by electrical problems, there is widespread concern that work being undertaken by those not qualified to do so continues to pose a threat to householders.
The Highlands and Islands MSP hopes his Members’ Debate, which has secured cross party support and the backing of industry bodies SELECT and NICEIC, will force the Scottish Government to take action on the matter. If not, Mr Halcro Johnston has suggested he would look at the option of introducing a Private Member’s Bill on the issue.
Commenting, Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP said:
“Many people will be shocked to learn that an electrician is not one of the jobs that is professionally regulated in Scotland.
“That means anyone can advertise themselves as an electrician and undertake work which, in many cases, they are simply not qualified to do.
“I think most householders would expect their electrician to be qualified and, while the Scottish Government has signalled they are in favour of regulating electrician as a profession, their warm words have led to little action.
“I hope that my Members’ Debate, which has support from MSPs from all parties except the Scottish Greens, will focus the Scottish Government’s attention on this issue and lead to much overdue change.
“If not, then I am exploring all further options, including the possibility of introducing a Private Members’ Bill in the Scottish Parliament. I believe it is imperative that we ensure the public can be confident that those who undertake electrical work are qualified to do so, that unqualified rogue traders are driven out of the profession, and that Scotland’s householders are protected from the consequences of dangerous electrical work”.