Former First Ministers back SELECT’s campaign for regulation of the electrical industry

Former First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have thrown their weight behind the long‑running crusade for regulation of the electrical industry being led by Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT.

The senior SNP politicians are among 13 MSPs who have added their names to the campaigning body’s Wall of Support, with other new sign-ups including former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and ex‑Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard.

Their endorsement means that 57 MSPs now back the call for protection of title for the profession of electrician – and SELECT says the cross-party support reflects the ‘overwhelming appetite’ for the Scottish Parliament to finally act on the issue.

Sharon Miller, SELECT Managing Director Designate, said:

“Securing the support of two former First Ministers, along with more senior MSPs from all parties, sends an unmistakable message: Scotland understands the urgent need to regulate the electrical profession.

“Electricians play an essential role in keeping our homes, businesses and communities safe, yet the title remains unprotected. Anyone can claim to be an electrician despite having no qualifications, creating unacceptable risks for the public.

“With the Wall of Support now standing at 57 MSPs, the momentum for change has never been stronger. This growing coalition demonstrates that protection of title is firmly on the political agenda and that there is widespread recognition of the dangers posed by unqualified electrical work.

“Our message remains clear and consistent – regulation is a matter of public safety, not politics. The steady stream of new supporters shows that MSPs understand the scale of the risks associated with modern electrical systems and the vital importance of ensuring only properly trained and qualified professionals can work on them.

“We will continue to work closely with our members, partners and stakeholders to secure the legislative change our industry desperately needs. Every new name on the Wall of Support is another step towards a safer, stronger electrotechnical sector for Scotland.”

SELECT’s Wall of Support continues to grow after the association made regulation a key part of its manifesto ahead of the election in May and now features endorsements from politicians, professional bodies, local authorities, housebuilders, surveyors and trade unions.

Run in partnership with the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Unite the Union, it aims to make it an offence for someone to call themselves an electrician when they have no, or inadequate, qualifications.

select.org.uk