January 2003
New IoP Directory on CD available
The Institute of Plumbing's new Directory 2003 on CD is now being sent out free of charge to Libraries, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Trading Standards offices, Housing Associations and other consumer organisations.
The interactive CD is packed full of information and advice, along with a list of nearly 3,500 Registered Plumbers in business throughout the UK. It is user friendly and very easy for consumers to find a plumber, all they have to do is type in the first part of their postcode and it will list a selection of members in their area.
Feedback from last year's CD has shown that a number of organisations prefer the Directory to be in this format, because the link to the Institute's website database ensures contact details of Registered Plumbers listed are always up-to-date.
Directory 2003 includes information about gas safety and the law; top ten plumbing tips; Master Plumber Certificate; manufacturers contact details and a free screen saver. It also includes product and technical information from Industrial Associate members of the Institute. Users can also download copies of a selection of Dataflow technical sheets.
Andy Watts, Chief Executive of the Institute, commented: "The Directory 2003 CD provides useful information and advice for consumers and gives them the opportunity to contact a Registered Plumber in their area."
ENDS (APPROX 220 WORDS)
JANUARY 2003
A disaster waiting to happen
The Institute of Plumbing (IoP) warned today that if the Government does not act to bring in compulsory registration of plumbers, it could mean that the industry will become swamped with the next generation of cowboys.The huge skills shortage, along with all the media attention focusing on unrealistic earnings for self-employed plumbers, is creating a climate for unqualified people to take advantage of the situation. Although the Institute is not a training organisation, it is receiving around 350 enquiries per week from people wanting to know more about a career in plumbing. Information gained from these enquiries has shown some worrying trends. Although the majority were genuinely interested in how to gain the appropriate qualifications, a number openly admitted that they had already carried out plumbing jobs for themselves and other people because they are "quite handy" or "good at DIY". More worrying, some callers were surprised that there were formal qualifications in plumbing that refer to the many Standards and Regulations! When asked if they were aware of Water and Building Regulations, the standard reply was "No".
Dale Courtman, Technical Director of the Institute, said: "The Regulations were put in place by Government to ensure safe practice and to protect the environment with the conservation of fuel, power and water. It's frightening to think that unqualified people can be employed to carry out the same work as that of an approved, competent installer. It makes a mockery of the Regulations."
Andy Watts, the Institute's Chief Executive, echoed Dale's comments. "This is a disaster waiting to happen. Unlike the position in many overseas countries, anyone in the UK can use the title "plumber" and carry out work for gain without any qualifications, experience or knowledge of Water and Building Regulations. It takes around three years to qualify as a plumber, by allowing unqualified people to use the title puts the whole trade into disrepute."
ENDS (320 WORDS)
JANUARY 2003