News
SNIPEF GIVES CAUTIOUS WELCOME TO BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME
SNIPEF has given a cautious welcome to the announcement by the Scottish Finance Minister, John Swinney, that a Boiler Scrappage Scheme will be introduced in Scotland.
SNIPEF Director, Robert Burgon, said “The decision to introduce a Boiler Scrappage Scheme in Scotland will be welcomed by both householders and the plumbing and heating industry alike. However, the £2M which has been allocated for the Scheme represents less than 5% of the total amount which has been set aside for the Scheme which currently applies in England. If the same grant of £400 is given in Scotland then only 5000 householders will benefit compared with 125,000 in England”.
Robert continued “We are still unaware of the details of how a Scheme will work but we hope that the Government will not only consider the issue of the type of boilers which are to be replaced but also the requirements of the installers who will carry out this work. We have already offered our support to officials as they develop the terms of the Scheme and look forward to that process. There is clearly demand for such a scheme in Scotland- our e-petition on the Scottish Parliament website has attracted almost 300 signatures in just a few days and we are sure that the supporters of such a scheme will be pleased to learn of the introduction of the scheme. ”
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SNIPEF GETS THE GREEN LIGHT FOR SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT E-PETITION FOR A BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME IN SCOTLAND
SNIPEF has set up a Public Petition through the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to follow the lead of Westminster and introduce a “Boiler Scrappage Scheme” in Scotland.
The Petition which can be accessed at www.snipef.org/boilerscrappage.htm, calls on the Scottish Parliament to “introduce a financial incentive similar to that which applies in England to encourage the replacement of older, inefficient central heating boilers”.
SNIPEF Director Robert Burgon said “By introducing a boiler scrappage scheme in Scotland it will mean the Scottish Government will have a great an opportunity not only to help with fuel poverty by reducing the large number of inefficient boilers which exist, but also to help to reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint We have decided to launch this as an e-petition as a means of demonstrating to the Scottish Government that such a scheme would be popular in Scotland and we encourage people to sign the e-petition before the closing date of 19 February 2010”.
Robert Burgon added “With the likelihood of continuing increases in fuel costs the incidence of fuel poverty will regrettably continue to increase. Householders with older, inefficient boilers will be doubly affected as their boilers use more fuel than would be the case with a modern boiler”.
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SNIPEF URGES THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE A BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME
SNIPEF has urged the Scottish Government to follow the lead of Westminster and introduce a “Boiler Scrappage Scheme” in Scotland.
The plea follows the recent launch of such a scheme in England. The scheme there is offering a £400 cash incentive to those householders who wish to upgrade their central heating boiler and has been viewed as a welcome boost to the sector which has been badly hit by the economic recession.
SNIPEF Director Robert Burgon said “By introducing a similar scheme in Scotland it will mean the Scottish Government will have a great an opportunity not only to help with fuel poverty by reducing the large number of inefficient boilers which exist, but also to help to reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint”.
Robert Burgon added “The Energy Savings Trust which is administering the scheme in England has advised that the installation of an efficient heating system is an effective way of reducing household energy bills and CO2 emissions, as domestic heating accounts for 14 per cent of the UK's CO2 emissions”.
SNIPEF has now approached the Scottish Parliament with a request that a Public Petition be put forward to introduce such a scheme.
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SNIPEF ADVISES HOUSEHOLDERS TO TAKE SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO AVOID FROZEN PIPES
The current spell of severe cold weather has the potential of causing New Year misery for thousands of householders in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However by taking a few simple steps to protect their plumbing and heating systems, householders can avoid both considerable inconvenience and damage to their home and belongings.
"Frozen water in pipes expands, often causing them to burst once the thaw sets in, but a few simple precautions taken now can prevent customers finding themselves up to their ankles in cold water and facing thousands of pounds worth of flood damage to their property."
Robert Burgon, Director and Secretary of SNIPEF (The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation) said "Following a prolonged spell of cold weather, our member businesses often receive hundreds of calls from concerned firms and homeowners who have experienced flooding caused by a burst pipe”.
By following these simple precautions you can significantly reduce the risk of burst pipes within your home or office premises:
PLUMBING TOP TIPS
1 Keep your property warm with the heating on low, even if you are away from home, and leave a key with someone who can check it regularly for frozen pipes.
2 Make sure any exposed pipe work or tanks especially in attics are insulated.
3 Find out where your mains stopcock is and make sure it works.
4 Dripping water increases the risk of freezing, so have any leaks at taps or valves repaired as soon as you discover them.
5 If a pipe does burst contact your local SNIPEF registered plumber or visit www.needaplumber.org or call 0845 224 0391
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CELEBRATE PLUMBING ON WORLD PLUMBING DAY
The World Plumbing Council has chosen to create World Plumbing Day, to be celebrated on 11 March each year. The inaugural event will take place in 2010 and will be formally announced at a press conference in Beijing, China.
This annual event has been established to help the general public better understand the vital role the plumbing industry plays in protecting public health and safety, the extent to which it helps limit mankind’s environmental footprint and other important work performed by contractors, inspectors, installers, engineers, manufacturers and academicians that is often taken for granted. Click here to visit the World Plumbing Day Website.
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PLUMBERS DONATE TO HELP FOR HEROES CHARITY
The Edinburgh & District Branch of SNIPEF has donated £750 to the Help for Heroes Charity following a successful raffle and auction at their recent Dinner Dance which was held in the Marriott Hotel.
Branch President, Ralph Shaw said “For the last few years we have made a donation to various charities however this year the Branch Committee were unanimous in choosing the charity “Help for Heroes” to recognise the sacrifice which our servicemen are making on behalf of the country”.
To make a donation click here to visit the Help for Heroes website.
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NORTHERN IRELAND PLUMBERS ANNOUNCE HOLIDAY DATES FOR 2010
The Northern Ireland Master Plumbers' Association (NIMPA) one of SNIPEF's Local Associations has published a list of trade holiday dates for the plumbing industry in Northern Ireland for 2010. Click here to download a copy.
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SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT AND GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL
LAUNCH NEW WORK PORTALS
Both the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council have launched web portals aimed at providing work opportunities for businesses. The Scottish Government portal can be accessed here whilst the Glasgow City Council portal, which focusses on workload opportunities for the Commonwealth Games can be accessed here.
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SNIPEF ANNOUNCES FREEZE ON MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION
FOR 2010
SNIPEF has announced that it will be freezing its membership subscription fees for 2010. SNIPEF Director & Secretary Robert Burgon said “SNIPEF is conscious of the very difficult economic climate which member firms are currently trading in and felt it was right to offer our support during this time”. He added “SNIPEF members will continue to benefit from the wide range of services which save their business time and money. For example, early 50% of our members use our Public and Employers Liability Insurance scheme which is operated by Willis Insurance. The insurance scheme has saved member firms thousands of pounds in premiums over the last few years and is one of our best used services. In addition our advisory service can save our members valuable time and money on a wide range of issues which they can encounter”.
“To add extra value to our membership we will be launching, in the early part of 2010, three new schemes for member firms. Firstly, an Approved Certifier of Construction Scheme in Scotland which will allow firms which become members of the scheme to self- certify work carried out under a Building Warrant. Secondly, we will launch a Microgeneration Installer scheme which will allow customers to access grants when they install microgeneration products. Finally, for firms in Northern Ireland, a Water Regulations Approved Contractor scheme will be available which will allow firms to self- certify work carried out under the new Northern Ireland Water Regulations which were introduced in August 2009. These three new schemes will add great value to SNIPEF membership and will reinforce our position as the Trade Association for Plumbing and Heating Businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland”.
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SNIPEF ISSUES WARNING OVER THE REALITY AND DANGERS
OF "FAST TRACK" TRAINING.
SNIPEF has issued a warning to those who are considering using a 'fast track' training scheme to become a plumber. Director Robert Burgon said “Training providers tempt people to enrol on very expensive short courses which purportedly teach all there is to know about plumbing, but in most cases these courses don’t lead to the minimum qualifications which are required by the industry in Scotland. This means that there is little or no chance of them getting a job as a plumber at the end of their training”.
Robert Burgon warned those contemplating enrolling on a “Fast Track” course. He said “Plumbing and heating is a highly advanced and technologically challenging occupation. In Scotland the industry normally needs to recruit approximately 300 - 400 new apprentices each year. These apprentices learn their trade through achievement of an SVQ level 3 qualification and also through the skills and experience they gain during their four year apprenticeship.”
He added “We are aware that South Ayrshire Trading Standards have previously warned consumers to be vigilant when signing up to distance learning training courses which offer qualifications in the building sector such as plumbing and electrical installation. We would echo that warning”.
Robert Burgon said “Articles or adverts which claim that the industry needs thousands of new recruits are downright dishonest. In the current economic climate the number of plumbing apprentice places available has reduced significantly. Those who serve an industry apprenticeship are “employed status” which means that the apprentice has a full time job and earns while they learn”. Burgon added “Behind such claims are often 'fast track' training providers whose main aim is to sell places on inappropriate training courses”.
SNIPEF has produced a paper which highlights the issues surrounding "Fast Track" training. Click here to download a copy.
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HSE ADVISE ON SWINE FLU PRECAUTIONS
Employers and employees should always practice good personal hygiene measures – use a disposable tissue to control coughs/sneezes, dispose of it appropriately and wash your hands before eating, drinking etc. In addition at the current time you should:
- Advise your staff to stay at home if they are sick with flu-like symptoms and have good reason to believe, based on HPA guidance, that they may have been exposed to the swine flu virus;
- Send home any employees who are displaying flu-like signs/symptoms in the situation described above
For more information visit the HSE website.
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HSE(NI) ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO THE GAS INSTALLER
REGISTRATION SCHEME FROM APRIL 2010.
4 August 09
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has announced forthcoming changes to the NI gas installer registration scheme, a compulsory scheme for everyone working with gas fittings in Northern Ireland, to take effect from 1st April 2010. After extensive consultation with the gas industry and public representative groups, it has been decided that the current registration scheme, provided by CORGI, the Council for Registered Gas Installers, will move to Gas Safe Register, the gas installer registration scheme operating in GB. CORGI will continue to provide the scheme until 31 March 2010 when Gas Safe Register will extend its operations to Northern Ireland from 1 April 2010 subject to final contract negotiations
SNIPEF has welcomed this announcement and Robert Burgon, SNIPEF Director said “ We are delighted that HSENI has taken this decision as we had concerns that as Gas Safe Register became more visible in GB that both consumers and installers in Northern Ireland would become confused over the registration requirements which may have led to situations where work was undertaken by unregistered installers”.
Alan Turner, President of the Northern Ireland Master Plumbers’ Association, the SNIPEF Local Association covering Northern Ireland said “I was pleased to hear this good news particularly when member firms in Northern Ireland are faced with significant pressures of workload and costs in the current economic climate. It also brings clarity to local firms and will enable them to carry out work UK wide without the need to be registered with two organisations”.
Read the HSENI Press release by click here.
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SNIPEF ANNOUNCE MOVE TO NEW OFFICE
2 July 09
Following a decision of the SNIPEF Council in summer 2008, to enhance and improve its services to members, SNIPEF is pleased to announce that it will be moving offices in early 2010. The new office, Bellevue House, which is a 3 storey new build project, is located in Hopetoun Street, towards the east end of Edinburgh city centre. SNIPEF will own one floor whilst Plumbing Pensions will own the other two.
Further details will be provided nearer the time of the move
Bellevue House
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NEW SNIPEF PRESIDENT ELECTED
28 May 09
Alistair Mowat, from Kintore, was appointed as President of the Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) at its Annual Conference which was held in the Marriott Hotel, Dyce on 22 and 23 May. Mr Mowat is the 11th member of the Aberdeen Master Plumbers’ Association to hold the prestigious post since SNIPEF was founded in 1923.
The conference featured a number of presentations including a report on the dangers of Legionella, the introduction of the new Gas Safe Register Scheme which has replaced CORGI and the Scottish Building Regulations amongst others.
The Conference was co-sponsored by Plumbing & Heating Merchants, William Wilson & Co from Aberdeen, and Yellow Pages. Representatives from William Wilson made a presentation to members on the importance of becoming involved in micro-renewable technology installations.
Alistair runs his plumbing business from Kintore and is married to Hilda. They have three sons, one of whom, Brian, works in the business. As part of his duty as SNIPEF President for the next 12 months he will attend a range of business and social functions representing SNIPEF across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
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GAS SAFE REGISTER
1 April 2009 was an important date for gas installers in Great Britain (not Northern Ireland-see below*) as it saw the formal takeover of the gas safety registration arrangements from CORGI which has operated in some form or other for over 30 years.
SNIPEF welcomes Gas Safe Register and already appreciates the close contact which it has been able to have with the new operators of the register, Capita. The new scheme operators have, to date, been receptive to comments and suggestions and have demonstrated that stakeholders like SNIPEF have an important part to play in the process.
SNIPEF has supported the need for high levels of gas safety since the birth of the original voluntary CORGI and was one of the main players in securing statutory registration for gas installers in 1990. It had been saddened to see the way in which CORGI developed into an organisation which did not listen to its stakeholders and continually expanded into other areas of activity which have absolutely nothing to do with gas safety.
One might have naively assumed that when CORGI lost its “raison d’etre” it might simply have disappeared. However, it seems as if there is to be life after gas safety registration for the body with its campaign to encourage its “members” (fascinating word for an organisation which stressed for years that it had no members but had registered installers) to retain their membership. Their campaign slogan seems to be “You didn’t think we would leave you....”. Well actually, many of us expected exactly that to happen. Instead, we now have many confused installers who must register with Gas Safe Register (because that is the law) and who are being enticed to remain “members” of the previous body. One of the saddest aspects of this is that if installers are confused so too will be others including consumers. That is not healthy. We need absolute clarity so that there is no doubt whatever that the only body responsible for gas safety registration is Gas Safe Register.
Most of the other schemes which CORGI offers do not apply in Scotland so there is absolutely no need for Scottish installers to become (or in CORGI’s words remain) members of the organisation.
*Sadly for members operating in Northern Ireland, the confusion will be worse as the Northern Ireland Assembly has yet to decide what to do and has issued a consultation on the options. This might actually have a negative effect on the levels of gas safety and we are working hard with colleagues in other trade organisations to convince those who make the decisions that they must move quickly to minimise the confusion.
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SkillPLUMB '09
The SkillPLUMB competition which is organised by SNIPEF provides a showcase for the talents and skills of up to 20 of the best Plumbing Apprentices and their respective Colleges and Training Centres in Scotland who teach the Plumbing SVQ Level 3 Qualification.
The competition is devised to incorporate everyday plumbing tasks which an apprentice is likely to encounter during their apprenticeship training. Over two days, the competitors take part in a written exam, a practical copper pipe work exercise and a practical lead bossing exercise. The standard required and achieved by competitors is very high, as testified by the difficulty the independent judging panel had separating the top competitors in the competition at Dundee College last year.
This year’s competition will take place in South Lanarkshire College at East Kilbride on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June 2009. This is a recently opened new Campus which will provide excellent state of the art facilities for the competitors.
For more information about the competition contact Malcolm Drysdale at the SNIPEF offices.
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SNIPEF WELCOMES "FRESH START" FOR GAS SAFETY SCHEME.
SNIPEF welcomed the announcement by the Health and Safety (HSE) that it has selected Capita as its preferred bidder to run the new registration scheme for gas installers from 1 April 2009. This will replace the scheme currently operated by CORGI.
The main differences between the bid from Capita and CORGI the other bidder lay in their approaches to introducing innovation to the scheme, promoting gas safety and a new brand, delivering efficiencies and the continuous improvement required. The new scheme aims to improve gas safety, and bring enhanced benefits to gas consumers and installers across Great Britain.
Robert Burgon, SNIPEF's Director & Secretary, said "For several years our members have expressed serious concerns about many aspects of the gas registration scheme operated by CORGI. For much of that time it seemed that no one was listening. The HSE announcement makes it clear that it has listened to these concerns and I believe that we can now look forward to a more appropriate and more proportionate gas safety regime. The selection of Capita as preferred bidder provides a real opportunity for a fresh start in the important area of gas safety. As a major stakeholder in the gas industry, SNIPEF is ready to play a constructive part under the new arrangements which will be about gas safety only and not about the peripheral activities in which CORGI has become involved."
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