Tag: tradespeople

Public urged to check tradespeople’s ID after notorious conman jailed

Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has urged the public to always check identification before allowing tradespeople into their home following the jailing of a serial fraudster who posed as an electrician to target the elderly.

The campaigning body issued the reminder after 64-year-old Robert Markward was last week sentenced to nine years in prison for a string of crimes across Ayrshire between December 2022 and March 2023, including tricking vulnerable victims into letting him into their homes.

Markward, who has more than 100 offences on his record dating back to the 1980s, was found guilty of defrauding and stealing from nine victims, some in their nineties, by pretending to be a nurse, handyman and electrician.

Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “Sadly, there are criminals who will use any disguise to gain access to people’s homes – including pretending to be qualified electricians.

“We would remind householders to always check that visitors are who they say they are, particularly if they claim to be a tradesperson. Ask to see their ECS Grade Card or similar official form of identification that proves they are a qualified electrician.

“A genuine and fully qualified electrotechnical professional will never object to showing you their credentials – in fact, they’ll be proud to do so.”

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is the electrotechnical industry’s official ID and competence card scheme, covering those working in the sector across the UK. Overseen by the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) in Scotland, it confirms the holder’s identity, qualifications and current status to work in the trade.

SELECT, which is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, represents more than 1,200 firms across Scotland. All members meet strict criteria, are accredited in at least one technical discipline and employ skilled and apprentice electricians working to the highest standards.

Mr Wilson added: “Our message is simple – don’t be rushed, don’t be embarrassed to ask and don’t open your door unless you’re satisfied the person is legitimate.

“It could protect you or someone you love from becoming a victim.”

SELECT advice on choosing an electrician 

  • Check first – before inviting a company to quote, search SELECT’s ‘Find a Contractor‘ database to find your nearest fully qualified electrician. 
  • Be direct – have a question prepared, such as: “Before we get started can I see a copy of your ECS Card?” This certifies the competence of the holder to undertake work.
  • Ask early – make your checks and ask your questions right at the start, before any electrical work has been agreed or undertaken. 
  • Be firm – a registered electrician can easily provide proof of their status. If a tradesperson is unwilling to show evidence of their qualification and registration status, it could be a warning sign. 
  • Shop around – before undertaking any work, always ensure you get at least two written quotes. 
  • Get advice – if you’re not sure of anything and need more guidance, please phone SELECT on 0131 445 5577. 

Fear of theft and violence putting a strain on tradespeople with more than nine in 10 targeted by criminals

  • More than nine in 10 tradespeople say they or someone they know have been victims of theft
  • Research shows 88% of those surveyed are concerned about the ongoing issue
  • Almost a third of tradespeople admit the fear of theft contributes to negative mental health
  • 60% in the industry do not believe mental health is spoken about openly
  • NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, whose volunteers offer emotional support to anyone who is struggling

More than nine in 10 tradespeople have been targeted by criminals as the fear of theft and violence puts a strain on the industry, alarming stats reveal.

New research* from commercial insurer NFU Mutual found that more than nine in 10 tradespeople (92%) say they or someone they know have been a victim of theft.

In the last 12 months alone, 53% of those surveyed said they had experienced tool or equipment theft, just shy of half had materials pinched, almost three in 10 had a vehicle stolen and 23% were victims of organised crime.

And those figures clearly weigh heavily on those in the industry, with almost a third of tradespeople (29%) admitting that the fear of theft and violence on their business contributes towards difficulties with mental health.

The rising cost of living (42%), financial worries (41%), stress of the job (39%), long hours (35%) and a lack of regular work (33%) were the other factors.

With almost nine in 10 tradespeople concerned about the threat of their equipment being stolen, NFU Mutual is urging workers to remain vigilant.

Trade theft pie chart1

Zoe Knight, Commercial Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Theft of tradespeople’s tools or equipment continues to blight the industry and the fact 92% of people surveyed say they – or someone they know – have been a victim speaks volumes.

“Tradespeople rely on this equipment for their income and livelihood, with crime hitting not just their pocket but, as our research shows, also having a huge and negative impact on their mental health.

“To see a third of tradespeople fearing theft or violence in their day-to-day job is worrying and we would urge tradespeople to do all they can to offput the threat of that happening – via security measures and recording serial numbers of equipment.

“We want tradespeople to feel supported and protected should the worst happen and know there is also help available for those struggling.”

A report by Builders Merchants News* revealed in December that texts to a construction charity helpline had seen an increase of 105% after the launch of an initiative to take the mental health message across the UK.

That could pave the way for more open conversations, with NFU Mutual’s survey showing that more than half of respondents believe that mental health isn’t spoken about openly in the trades industry.

While more than three-quarters of tradespeople did say they were confident or fairly confident they would know where to go for support if they were struggling, worryingly,  almost four in 10 (36%) said it is unlikely they would seek help if they had mental health problems.

Trade theft pie chart2

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, a charity which offers round the clock emotional support to anyone struggling to cope.

Jason Jaspal, Assistant Director of Business Development at Samaritans, added: “Samaritans offers a listening ear and a safe space to share how you’re feeling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“It’s vital that tradespeople reach out for support when they are finding life tough, rather than letting things build up and potentially reaching a crisis point. It doesn’t matter what they’re finding challenging, Samaritans is here so they don’t have to face things alone.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services is sharing the following advice to tradespeople:

  • Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
  • If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.  
  • Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
  • Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
  • Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
  • Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).  
  • Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
  • Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
  • For construction vehicles use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
  • Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working.

For quality trades insurance to suit all sizes, search NFU Mutual Builders and Trades Insurance at www.nfumutual.co.uk/trades-insurance/.

For more information about Samaritans and the work the charity does, visit https://www.samaritans.org/

Four in five UK tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work

·       85% don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health 

·       Finances are the most common cause of stress 

·       IronmongeryDirect is working with mental health charity, Basildon Mind, to raise awareness of the issue 

More than four in five (82%) UK tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work-related issues, a new study has found. 

The research was commissioned for Mental Health Awareness Week (9th-15th May) by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, and the results have been published in its annual industry report. 

It found that almost two-thirds (64%) of tradespeople experience some form of mental health problem, such as stress, anxiety or depression, every month, and sadly, one in eight (13%) feel symptoms every single day. 

Finances remain the number one cause of stress, with over a third (34%) saying that money worries play on their mind. In fact, the top five reasons are the same as last year, with customer tensions (24%) taking second spot once again. 

The most significant change from 2021 is the impact of customer abuse, with almost a fifth (18%) saying they struggle with insults or threats, which is treble the figure from the previous report (6%). 

The top 10 most common causes of stress for tradespeople are: 

# Issue % 
1 Finances 34% 
2 Tensions with customers 24% 
3 High workload 23% 
4 Tensions with business partners 21% 
5 Tensions with suppliers 20% 
6 Job security 19% 
7 Making mistakes at work 19% 
8 Abuse from customers 18% 
9 Risk of catching Covid-19 18% 
10 Doing the best job you can for customers 15% 

Unfortunately, despite the benefits of doing so, more than four in five (85%) tradespeople don’t feel comfortable talking to others about their feelings. Just one in six (16%) have spoken to friends or family about their mental health, which is considerably fewer than last year (42%). 

Furthermore, one in six (16%) worry what their colleagues would think if they told them what they were going through, and more than a quarter (28%) feel they can’t take time off work for mental health reasons. 

Plumbers are the most likely tradespeople to feel stressed or anxious on a daily basis (27%), but overall, mental health problems are most common amongst plasterers. More than nine in ten (92%) say they experience issues at least once a year. 

The trades most and least likely to experience mental health issues are: 

# Trade % 
1 Plasterer 92% 
2 Carpenter 90% 
3 Builder 89% 
4 Joiner 89% 
5 Bricklayer 87% 
6 Building surveyor 84% 
7 Plumber 81% 
8 Electrician 81% 
9 Landscaper 75% 
10 Painter and decorator 68% 

As part of its campaign to raise awareness of mental health amongst tradespeople, IronmongeryDirect is partnering with Basildon Mind, the mental health charity, and is donating over £3,000 to support with its vital services. 

Emma Mamo, Head of Workspace Wellbeing at Mind, said: “In male-dominated industries such as construction, employees are often less willing and able to open up about their mental health and ask for support.

“This can be problematic because mental health problems often become worse if left untreated, and the consequences can be fatal.  

“We urge employers to create cultures where employees can speak openly and honestly about their mental health.” 

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “It’s an unfortunate truth that mental health issues are common across our industry, and it’s awful to see that so many tradespeople experience problems on a regular basis. 

“It’s particularly worrying to see that the number of people talking to others about their mental health has dropped significantly from last year. As difficult as it can be to discuss your feelings, talking about them with someone else, whether that’s a colleague or family member, can really help to begin addressing the issues.”  

To read IronmongeryDirect’s Mental Health in the Trades: 2022 Report, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/mental-health-in-the-trades/