“It was heartening to see so many SELECT Member businesses add their comments to this vital consultation”


culmination of a long-running campaign by SELECT and other leading industry bodies to make sure that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner. In its own response, SELECT said regulation would help reduce death and injury, bring significant economic benefits and encourage more women and minorities to take up the tools. Alan said: “Our research suggests


net benefits to Scotland from proper regulation of electricians of around £58million, including the benefits of higher electrical standards, such as fewer injuries and deaths, better functioning installations, less need for call backs or for poor/unsafe work to be repaired, leading to improved customer satisfaction.” Alan also pointed out in the consultation response that there was already a mechanism in place for registering individuals via the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and that a robust scheme could be developed at very little additional cost. He said: “A single register based on the existing SJIB model would provide the comfort and security that someone calling themselves an electrician was qualified and competent to undertake electrical work. It would also enhance the profession’s status and reputation


by restricting opportunities for the unskilled or semi-skilled.” Alan also suggested that, if the


industry was regarded as a profession, it would potentially become more attractive to women, ethnic minorities and other entrants, leading to greater diversity and benefit to the country as a whole. He said: “Our future heating and energy demands, driven by the government’s own plans to increase more renewable installations and reduce our carbon footprint, means that electricians will play an ever- increasing role in delivering on these targets. “There is overwhelming evidence that the general public thinks that our profession is regulated when it is not. People are genuinely very surprised when told that you need no formal qualifications to call yourself an electrician. “All survey evidence points to a


strong demand from the public that electricians should be qualified in the interests of consumer safety and now is the time to meet this demand.”


Jamie Halcro Johnston interview: Pages 28 and 29


 Ongoing COVID-19 measures meant that this year’s autumn Branch Updates were held online via GoTo Meetings. All eight get-togethers were


successfully delivered via webinar, with an update on EICR coding provided by Technical Advisers Keith Hagan, Stuart McKelvie, Mark McLaughin, Neil Sim and Darren Sweeney. Updates were also delivered by


the SELECT Directors, President Donald W Orr and Training Officers from the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), with Members asking questions and discussing points on a wide range of topics. With meeting restrictions still


in place for the foreseeable future, preparations are currently being made to host the spring Branch Updates in the same way. Details will be made available soon.


Winner Paul with his prizes


to give greater protection to the public and reduce the level of poor electrical workmanship by a persistent rogue trader element”. Alan Wilson said: “Tis is another great opportunity for the


industry to take part and shape the future. “It’s heartening to see


the Scottish Government believes that regulation of the sector is so important that it merits this further consultation. It’s an excellent chance for


Scotland to lead the way and demonstrate that we are committed to safer and brighter future for the industry.” Te latest consultation


closes on 12 February 2021 and can be found at bit.ly/ scotgov-consult


 SELECT Member Paul James was the lucky winner of a Megger voltage tester and proving unit after completing our accident survey earlier this year. Te owner of PM James Electrical Ltd in Kirkcaldy, Fife, was chosen at random following a delay in the prize draw caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.


CABLEtalk DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 11


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