Plumbing licensing scheme to boost consumer confidence

The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbers Employers Federation (SNIPEF) has backed the launch of a new licensing scheme which will protect consumers from unscrupulous traders.

Launched by Deputy Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran, the Plumbing Industry Licensing Scheme seeks to boost consumer confidence by increasing the professionalism of the industry with strict quality guidelines for licensed businesses.

At the Edinburgh launch, the scheme's new Customer Charter was unveiled with a commitment to "delivering higher standards and improving customer care" highlighted as a guiding principle.

The Customer Charter lays out a strict compliance criteria for any business wishing to be licensed. A complaints procedure, warranty and the benefits of using a licensed business are also described to customers.

In the future it is hoped that consumers will look for the licensed business logo before employing a business to undertake plumbing and heating work.

While the scheme is primarily focused on maintaining good relations between plumbers and their customers it also sends a bold message to 'cowboy' plumbers that they are not welcome in the industry.

Jack Watson, Chairman of the Licensing Scheme Board, said the new scheme was an important act of self-regulation and would further build on the good faith that already exists between customers and the plumbing industry.

He said, "In launching this scheme we are responding to a desire from customers for there to be a clear indicator of where they can access excellent workmanship. Only those businesses that aspire to the highest standards will be recognised by the scheme.

"We would urge anyone looking for professional quality work to only employ businesses licensed by the Plumbing Industry Licensing Scheme."

Robert Burgon, Director of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation, said, "Within the plumbing industry the overwhelming majority of traders are honest, hard working people who take great pride in their work and it is these qualities that we want to see flourishing across the whole industry.

"We want to continue to attract good people to the plumbing industry and by adhering to the scheme we will ensure the industry is viewed with the highest regard by customers and clients."

(CL)