Alan Wilson, Managing Director of the electrical trade body SELECT (Scotland's largest construction trade association), has issued a stark warning that unqualified electricians in Scotland pose a "significant threat to public safety".

Speaking on the podcast Hard Hat Talks with architect Kenneth Martin, Mr Wilson reinforced the urgent need for the regulation of the country's electrical sector.

Mr Wilson cited that, while accurate figures are difficult to obtain, as many as 13% of domestic fires could be traced back to poor electrical work. He highlighted the "failure of the system" where tightly regulated professions like doctors, nurses, and even door staff have legal requirements, but anyone can currently set themselves up as an electrician.

"These kind of people tend to be the kind who will turn up at your house in a van that says 'Plumber, Electrician, Decorator, Joiner, Roofer' on the side – and then one person gets out," Mr Wilson stated.

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He stressed that as electrical installation becomes ever more complex, driven by the ongoing electrification of society and the continuous updates to the Wiring Regulations, reliance on outdated knowledge poses a severe risk.

Mr Wilson stated that SELECT is continuing its push for regulation, aiming to embed the commitment in party manifestos ahead of next year's elections.

He also outlined critical challenges facing the Scottish construction sector:

Apprenticeship Support: While the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) saw 19,000 people undertake its aptitude test, only around 850 to 900 apprentices are taken on annually. Mr Wilson argued that smaller businesses, who take on the majority of apprentices, are not receiving sufficient government support to justify the huge investment in training.

Prompt Payment: The most important change needed in the industry is prompt payment and getting money flowing from large clients and domestic customers to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This capital flow is crucial for SMEs to fund apprentice training and circulate money locally.

Planning System: Both Mr Wilson and host Kenneth Martin agreed that fixing the sluggishness of the planning system would be the single most impactful action the government could take for the entire construction sector.