October 2006
Is work drying up for plumbers?
Members of the Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE) were asked recently if they were experiencing difficulties in getting work. The majority of those who responded said they had noticed a downturn in work over the last year. To some it just meant a slight reduction, but quite a few said they were now struggling to get jobs with a few thinking of closing their businesses.
These responses weren’t confined to one area, but the reasons for the shortage of work did vary. Many said they had noticed a big increase in plumbing franchises and those in the South East, especially near London, believed they had lost work by being undercut by Polish or Eastern European plumbers. Tellingly, the majority said that a high percentage of the work they were carrying out was remedial, caused by incompetent plumbers who had broken Water and Building Regulations.
All expressed worries about the future of the industry with a number discouraging their own children from joining the family business.
IPHE Chief Executive, Blane Judd gave the following comment: “This is a worrying trend which signals a decline in standards in the plumbing and heating industry. We urge consumers to think carefully before employing a plumber who does not have the right experience or qualifications.”
The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering is the UK’s professional and technical body for plumbing and heating professionals. It is a registered educational charity with around 12,400 members who are competent in plumbing and heating engineering via formal qualifications or extensive experience and abide by a Code of Professional Standards. To contact a Registered Plumber visit www.iphe.org.uk or ring 01708 472791 – Monday to Friday – 9am – 5pm.
ENDS (282 WORDS)
OCTOBER 2006
Plumbers are essential!
The Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering’s website www.iphe.org.uk is visited, on average, by 1,300 people per day. One of the most popular pages on the site contains a search facility for consumers looking for an IPHE Registered Plumber. Other top pages of interest cover technical information and advice about training.
A recent consumer survey on the website came up with the following information:
On the subject of consumers’ general perception of plumbers, it was surprising to find that even though there are lots of negative stories about plumbers in the media, 59% of those taking part said that plumbers provide an essential service. However, 29% believe that they overcharge. Only 6% said they are undervalued and 6% think they are all cowboys!
When asked how long they would expect to wait for a plumber to arrive in an emergency, 55% said five hours, 20% said one hour, 20% reckon on waiting 24 hours and just 6% expected to wait more than 24 hours.
On the topic of training around 67% decided it took three years to train, 32% thought it would take one year to qualify and 1% believed it would only take three months. The Institute recommends that anyone seeking an industry recognised qualification should aim for NVQ Level 3 in Plumbing, which can take around three years to complete.
Blane Judd, chief executive, gave the following comment: “These statistics show that consumers do recognise and respect competent and conscientious plumbers. IPHE members abide by a code of professional standards and are committed to raising standards.”
Ms Tracey Abbott from Stafford was selected as the winner of the lucky prize draw for taking part in the survey and was sent a bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne.
ENDS (292 WORDS)
OCTOBER 2006