Two more names added to SELECT Wall of Support
Clare Adamson and Willie Rennie back our ongoing campaign to regulate electricians
Clare Adamson and Willie Rennie back our ongoing campaign to regulate electricians Two more MSPs have become the latest high-profile figures to back our growing campaign for recognition of electricians as a profession. Clare Adamson and Willie Rennie have both added their names to our online Wall of Support, which shows the organisations and individuals backing this vital issue. Clare is the SNP MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, and also the Convener of the Cross Party Group on Accident Prevention and Safety at Holyrood.
She said: “I am very aware of the importance of electrical safety. Consumers deserve the assurance that when they engage the services of an electrician that the person is qualified and accredited to complete the work safely and to the highest industry standard.
“SELECT’s campaign to have the trade of electrician recognised as a profession has shone a light on this issue and I support the progress being made in regulation of this industry to ensure that my constituents are protected and can have confidence going forward.”
In a separate personal statement, she described how a serious failure in a kitchen fit-out led to “the whole side of the kitchen where our dishwasher and fridge freezer was plugged in not being earthed, despite a recurrent current device (RCD) junction or early fault detector being part of the installation work”. She said the potentially lethal fault, which could have easily led to an outbreak of fire, was only discovered in 2016 when the dishwasher had to be replaced.
North East Fife MSP Willie, who is the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, also added his voice to the campaign. In his ‘brick’ on the wall he said: “I fully support the importance of using professionals in all aspects of construction work, be they multi-million pound contracts or small domestic works. It is vital that we ensure only properly trained, qualified and competent people carry out these works.
“I support the campaign being run by SELECT to protect the title of electrician. As well as providing an important step forward in protecting the safety of those who use an electrician, it will also enhance the profession itself as it will ensure that only those who can prove that they have appropriate qualifications, knowledge and experience are accorded the respect that is due to such an important and safety critical profession.”
The politicians’ endorsement of the campaign adds to widespread industry backing, including the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Unite the Union. Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “We would like to thank Clare and Willie for backing us in such a public manner. “The digital wall shows in a dramatic fashion the strength of feeling that exists within the construction sector about the issue of professional recognition.
“Clare’s experience is by no means unique and demonstrates why support for our Wall of Support campaign is continuing to grow. Our aim is that in future no one in Scotland should have to tolerate the anxiety and upset to which she and her family have been exposed.” Other bodies that have contributed a brick to the wall include Electrical Safety First, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group and the Energy Saving Trust.
