The Scottish Government's revised Heat in Buildings Bill announcement has failed to address the fundamental challenge of how heat decarbonisation will be delivered, according to the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF).

The organisation has raised concerns over the absence of any mention of workforce skills development, installer training programmes, or targeted financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), despite the fact that SMEs are expected to undertake 80% of future heat pump installations.

While SNIPEF welcomed the shift towards more realistic long-term targets and a renewed emphasis on tackling fuel poverty, it stressed that the announcement lacked critical detail on how Scotland intends to cultivate the skilled workforce and business capacity necessary for the large-scale installation of low-carbon heating systems.

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, stated: "We support the Government's intention to move away from immediate restrictions on homeowners and instead focus on national targets. That change of tone is constructive and gives the plumbing and heating profession a clearer signal on the direction of travel. But today's announcement is silent on how the work will actually get done. There is no reference to skills, vocational training or business support; yet these are the foundations on which success depends. Without them, we risk setting targets that are simply undeliverable."

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SNIPEF, which represents over 700 member firms employing over 3,500 plumbing and heating professionals, also highlighted the increasing financial pressures faced by smaller businesses, particularly concerning the rising costs associated with apprenticeships following significant increases in minimum apprentice wage rates.

The Federation is urging the Scottish Government to ensure that the forthcoming Bill and accompanying policy measures include:

• Dedicated and easily accessible funding mechanisms for SMEs to support the upskilling of their workforce and investment in low-carbon technologies.

• Increased investment in apprenticeships and vocational education pathways to cultivate a future-ready workforce capable of delivering the transition.

• A clear and stable policy direction that provides businesses with the confidence needed to plan for and invest in the low-carbon heating market.

"Around 80% of our members still work in the traditional heating market," added Hodgson. "They are willing to play a key role in Scotland's transition, but they can't do that without practical support. Skills, training and SME capacity must be at the heart of the next stage. Apprenticeship funding has remained stagnant for over eight years, placing additional financial strain on small businesses already managing rising employer National Insurance contributions, increased minimum wage rates and growing operational costs. These pressures are real, and without targeted intervention, they risk choking off the very workforce we need to deliver change."