24 minute read
All the latest news from SELECT and across the wider industry
by CTSELECT
NEWS REGULATION
Th e Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB
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Support gets stronger in the battle for regulation
Th e latest Scottish Government consultation reveals most people back our calls for change in the industry
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Please phone our Membership Team on 0131 445 5577 to apply to become a Member of SELECT or if you would like more information about joining.
Alternatively you can email us on memberservices@select.org.uk or submit an online enquiry.
CABLEtalk is the offi cial magazine of SELECT and is distributed free to qualifying readers.
ISSN 1365-3288 SELECT is the trading style of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland. Th e SELECT logo is a registered Collective Mark. SELECT has welcomed the results of the latest consultation on regulation of the electrical industry, which again shows an overwhelming majority of respondents in favour of legislation.
The outcome of the Scottish
Government consultation, which closed on 12 February, reveals that, out of the 100 organisations and individuals who took part, the “vast majority” thought that voluntary measures don’t work and that regulation was required.
Alan Wilson, SELECT’s
Managing Director, said: “There is a sense that the campaign is gathering increasing momentum and the strength of the consultation responses illustrates that our conviction is shared by the majority of those in the sector.
“While we would all like to think that voluntary action would work, it’s quite clear from the responses that the sector needs government legislation to bring about
‘comfort and security’ for customers across the country and end the scourge of unqualifi ed people passing themselves off as electrical professionals. “We have been hugely encouraged by the levels of support we have received, particularly cross-party parliamentary support, and the impressive range of people who have publicly backed us through channels such as our Wall of Support.
“The result of this consultation is another enormously signifi cant advance and we would like to thank all those parties who took part.” The encouraging results were revealed to members of the parliamentary Electricians Working Group in a letter from Jamie Hepburn MSP, the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, who set up the consultation. Mr Hepburn’s letter revealed that, of the 100 responses, 40 were from organisations and 44 were from individuals, the majority of whom were in favour of regulation.
The minister now wants the Working Group to reconvene to discuss the responses and says that it will be the responsibility of whoever holds his offi ce after the Holyrood elections in May to decide the next steps. The results follow a previous consultation by Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston, which closed on 10 November last year and received more than 140 submissions, more than 90 per of which were positive.
Graphic gives you the facts
SELECT has launched a new infographic of quarterly statistics which shows the wide range of activity at the association.
Hosted on the SELECT website, the graphic will be updated every three months to show the latest developments in technical, training, membership, communications, employment and skills.
Iain Mason, SELECT’s Director of Membership and Communications, said: “This handy graphic is designed to show the broad spectrum of work that the association carries out, as well as tracking progress in key areas. We hope it gives an informative insight into Scotland’s largest construction trade association, and helps Members and the wider industry see the ongoing support and guidance that everyone is working hard to deliver to help the industry through this challenging time.”
See the infographic at www.select.org. uk/about-us/news
A manifesto for our future
SELECT has issued its own manifesto ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections, in which it makes a clarion call for a brighter, more efficient and more sustainable future for the electrotechnical sector.
Entitled Creating a Brighter Future, the manifesto makes a number of key declarations, asking the next Parliament to introduce: ● Protection of title to stamp out unqualified electrical workers ● Laws to make it illegal to carry out electrical work when unqualified ● Procurement based on quality, not best bids ● Timely payment and no retentions ● Recognition of the sector’s role in delivering a sustainable future.
Among its focus on regulation and renewables, the manifesto also emphasises the vital role that electrical professionals will have in delivering the next Scottish government’s plans for reduced energy use, climate change and other principal policy objectives.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “As our ‘wish list’ for the next Scottish government, this manifesto reflects real needs, not aspirations, when it comes to the future of our industry, our economy and our country.
“Ongoing feedback shows that the sector wants, needs and demands the changes we are seeking.”
The manifesto will now be distributed to candidates ahead of May’s elections.
Download the manifesto at bit.ly/ Manifesto21
NEWS ONLINE EVENTS
Knowledge will be a click away
In-depth technical videos and live Q&A webinars are being planned for later this year as our Toolbox Talks 2021 move online.
With physical events still not possible, our Technical team is busy developing digital methods to answer questions and keep Members updated. Practical, technical fi lms are being created on the following topics: ● Cable sizing, including considerations where thermal insulation may aff ect current carrying capability ● Domestic ventilation requirements ● Energy effi ciency, smart technology and carbon reduction ● Proposed changes in
Amendment 2 of BS 7671: 2018.
Th ese videos will be made available exclusively for Members.
Live Q&A sessions are also being planned for May and June, during which Technical Advisers will answer questions and discuss technical issues with Members in special webinars. Dates for these sessions will be announced in due course.
Director of Technical Services, Dave Forrester, said: “Th e topics for our online videos have been developed in response to Member feedback as we are always keen to address the most relevant electrical issues of the moment and would welcome any other ideas for subjects.
“We would also encourage Members to submit questions in advance for our Q&A sessions.”
Members log on for meetings
Ongoing COVID-19 measures meant that the fi rst Branch Updates of 2021 were again held online via webinar.
All eight get-togethers were successfully delivered via GoTo Meeting, with a quiz on safe isolation provided by Technical
Advisers Keith Hagan, Stuart McKelvie,
Mark McLaughin, Neil Sim and
Darren Sweeney.
All those taking part were entered in a prize draw to win a Di-LOG CombiVolt 2 690V Proving Kit worth £169. The winner, chosen at random, was Douglas
McSporran of SELECT Member fi rm
John McSporran Ltd in Paisley.
Updates on SELECT activity were also delivered by the Directors of Function and Presidential Team, with Training Offi cers providing the latest news from the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT).
Following feedback from our recent survey, Members were also encouraged to submit questions in advance to help the discussion on the night. These included a number of technical queries on topics including surge protection devices, Electrical Installation Condition Reports and thermal insulation. The answers to some of these questions can be found on pages 37-40.
Each Branch Update also included an AGM, during which branch offi cers and committee representatives were elected. Only one change was made, with Donnie Calder taking over from Alistair Grant as Chair of the Inverness and North of Scotland Branch at the meeting on 11 March. Alistair now becomes Branch
NEW MEMBERS
Eight fi rms have become SELECT Members since 1 February 2021 Smillie Electrical Services, Ayrshire Advanced Electrical Services (Scot) Ltd, Glasgow & West of Scotland Miller Electrical Services, Inverness & North of Scotland PFMS Facilities Ltd, Lanarkshire Stuart Penrose Electrical Services Ltd, Edinburgh & South East Scotland Electro Services Ltd, Edinburgh & South East Scotland Gary Cairns Electrical, Edinburgh & South East Scotland Steven Brindle Electrical Ltd, Inverness & North of Scotland
BRANCH OFFICERS
INVERNESS & NORTH OF SCOTLAND
DONNIE ALISTAIR
CALDER GRANT
Chairman Vice Chairman
GLASGOW & WEST OF SCOTLAND
DAVID HARRIS Chairman KENNY BERRIE Vice Chairman DAVID SMITH 3rd Representative IAN YOUNG 4th Representative
AYRSHIRE
JAMES
COOPER
Chairman
CHARLES
DOBBIE
Vice Chairman DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
GORDON PATERSON Chairman JOHN WILSON Vice Chairman
LANARKSHIRE
CRAIG
MCGOWAN Chairman PAUL SMITH Vice Chairman ABERDEEN & NORTH EAST OF SCOTLAND STEWART ANDERSON Chairman ERIC RAE Vice Chairman ALICK SMITH 3rd Representative
CHRISTOPHER LIDDELL 3rd Representative TAYSIDE
TONY
HARVEY
Chairman
KEITH
SMITH
Vice Chairman
GRAHAM
LYALL 3rd
Representative
EDINBURGH & SOUTH EAST OF SCOTLAND
GRAEME ANDERSON Chairman PAUL ERASMUSON Vice Chairman ALASDAIR NOBLE 3rd Representative CRAIG NEISH 4th Representative
Vice-Chair, as well as continuing in his role as SELECT Vice-President.
President Donald W Orr said: “It was good to see so many new Members attending for the fi rst time, and also to see the introduction of some new measures developed in response to the recent survey.
“The creation of new colour-coded paperwork requested by Members certainly assisted in the smooth running of the meetings and will help with other Branch Updates going forward.”
With meeting restrictions still in place for the foreseeable future, preparations are currently being made to host the next Branch Updates in the same way. Details will be made available soon.
Getting to know Donnie Calder Page 50
Handy guide to reverse charge VAT changes
SELECT has put together a suite of handy information and practical templates about reverse charge VAT after the new system was introduced on 1 March.
Th e material includes a stepby-step brochure about the new charging method, as well as a cashfl ow calculator and templates of letters that can be sent to sub-contractors and customers.
In addition, there are a number of webinars and information videos which Members can watch to help familiarise themselves with the changes and what they need to do.
To access the resources, please visit www.select.org.uk or email memberservices @select.org.uk memberservices @select.org.uk
Virtual meeting focuses on opportunities
SELECT held an online Central Board meeting on 24 March, which was attended by more than 20 offi ce bearers and staff members.
Delegates heard a presentation on business opportunities for electrical contractors by Julie Beaufi ls, Secretary General of EuropeOn, as well as updates from all areas of the association and a presentation on the 2020 annual accounts by Martin Gill, Lead Partner at SELECT auditors BDO LLP.
Th e meeting, which was held on the Teams platform, also saw Donald W Orr and Alistair Grant nominated and confi rmed as President and VicePresident respectively for another year.
NEWS ROUND-UP
We’re part of a major team eff ort
SELECT is among the members of Actuate UK, a new alliance for the multi-billion-pound UK engineering services sector that was launched in February via a virtual industry event.
The association is looking forward to playing a key role in the collective of eight leading trade, technology, research, and professional bodies as it delivers a single and consolidated voice for the sector.
As an agent for positive change,
Actuate UK will support the delivery of a safer, more productive, and sustainable UK-built environment and, together with others in the industry, the
UK Government and the devolved nations, will play a key role in essential national initiatives.
It will also lead the sector’s response to the building safety agenda and post-COVID green recovery, providing direction and championing the wider industry culture changes needed for their successful delivery.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of
SELECT, said: “SELECT was a very keen and active participant in the work of the SEC Group, Actuate UK’s predecessor, both at UK but especially at Scottish level. We look forward to working with colleagues in the new Actuate UK body as it broadens its footprint across a whole host of activities linked to our Members’ work.”
As well as SELECT, Actuate UK consists of: ● The Building Engineering and
Services Association (BESA) ● The Building Services Research and
Information Association (BSRIA) ● The Chartered Institution of
Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) ● ECA – Electrical and
Engineering Services ● The Federation of Environmental
Trade Associations (FETA) ● The Lift and Escalator Industry
Association (LEIA) ● SNIPEF – The Scottish and
Northern Ireland Plumbing
Employers’ Federation.
The eight organisations bring a broad range of technical, practical, and commercial expertise to focus on four strategically important themes – skills, building safety, carbon reduction and commercial issues in 2021.
New EETF roles for Gordon and Mike
Th e Electrical Engineering Training Foundation (EETF) has appointed Gordon McArthur as its new chair as it continues to help develop the next generation of skills.
Th e Managing Director of SELECT Member business WMQ Building Services takes over from Alex Guyan, who has been in the chair for eight years.
Gordon became MD of family-run WMQ in 2008, taking the reins from his father Jim, who was EETF director and chairman from 2002 until 2015.
He said: “It is a huge privilege to have been asked to take on this important role. Th e electrical sector becomes more complex and high-tech with each passing year and training must be at the front and centre of everything we do.”
Alex said: “It is with great confidence that I pass the baton to Gordon. He is a dynamic business personality who is acutely aware of the effort we
Routes to a great career
SELECT has launched a new series of recommended training routes to provide clear advice on the right path to becoming a qualifi ed electrician in Scotland.
Developed in partnership with The
Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), the guidance is designed for both school leavers and those looking for a career in the electrical industry at any age.
The three routes clearly stress that becoming a fully qualifi ed electrician can only be achieved with valid on-site work experience, as opposed to courses that off er no real-world practical skills.
Fiona Harper, Director of
Employment and Skills at SELECT, said: “The message from these graphics is clear – becoming a qualifi ed electrician is not possible without gaining the work-based Modern Apprenticeship and
SVQ in Electrical Installation at SCQF 7.
“We hope the three routes will help people make informed decisions about the correct way to train and achieve a valued electrical qualifi cation that is recognised by employers.”
The new infographics – which are hosted on the Electrical Careers website – show three ways into the industry: apprentice training, adult training and the Crediting Electrotechnical Competence scheme.
Fiona, who is also The Secretary of The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), added: “Choosing one of these three routes is the only way to developing a trained, certifi ed and competent individual.
“The value of the SJIB apprenticeship has continued to prove its worth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 500 apprentices taken on in Scotland since last summer.
“This proves that both trainees and employers see the value in a proper grounding and training in all aspects of electrical work that will help build an electric future for us all.” recognised by employers.”
The new infographics – which are hosted on the Electrical Careers website
View the graphics at bit.ly/TESP-routes
Th e next generation Page 18 Making the right decision Page 24 Take the road to success Page 26 Apprentice of the Year Page 29
need to make to keep our skills fit for purpose as the sector advances.”
Mike Stark, Director at Atalian Servest AMK, has also joined the board of the EETF, which was established by SELECT in 1998 and provides grants to support training, funds a number of different projects and encourages continuing career progression. He said: “I fully acknowledge the central role that training must play if we are to have the skillsets we need to take us forward in a technologically exciting and fast-changing working environment.
“Having mentored employees and apprentices at Arthur McKay, I know that there is a wealth of talent in this country, as well as an enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the potential rewards of a career as an electrician.”
Minister praises COVID response
Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn has joined the SJIB and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to salute employers for supporting young talent during COVID-19.
Th e industry bodies have applauded businesses for recruiting, training and nurturing trainees during the pandemic and say their dedication is the perfect example of “business backing talent” – the theme of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which ran from 1-5 March.
Fiona Harper, Th e Secretary of the SJIB, said: “Even without additional support at this diffi cult time, employers have still been there, continuing to ensure the talent of tomorrow is being trained the right way. SELECT Members should be saluted for stepping in and off ering to help with much-needed off ers of work to the 80-plus apprentices who have been made redundant as a result of the lockdown.”
Anne Galbraith, chief executive of SECTT, said: “Employers have once again demonstrated their ongoing commitment to apprentices, stepping up when it really matters.”
Th is ongoing commitment to skills and training was also acknowledged by Mr Hepburn, Scottish Government Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills. Th e minister said: “It has been highly encouraging to witness the determination of employers throughout Scotland’s electrical industry to keep investing in the future by training and supporting tomorrow’s highly skilled electricians.
“Apprenticeships are a core part of our skills system in Scotland, enabling employers to invest in their workforce and provide the skills that we need now and in the future.”
CORONAVIRUS SICK PAY CLAIMS
By Michelle Courtney SELECT Benefits Manager
SELECT’s welfare benefits scheme covers sickness benefit for operatives and staff who are registered by Member companies, who pay for it with a welfare credit.
These welfare benefits give peace of mind to employers and employees during uncertain times and ensure cover is in place when it is needed.
With claims for COVID-related illnesses becoming more noticeable – and of course expected – here are some FAQs for everything relating to sick pay claims and the processes involved with making a claim.
If an employee is off due to COVID, what are the rules for claiming? We will process a claim for COVIDrelated illnesses, using a process that’s the same as for any other claim. For operatives, we pay out from week three onwards and for staff members from day four onwards. A claim form would be submitted along with a fit note or proof of the illness.
Our employee does not have a fit note but has tested positive for COVID and needs to selfisolate. What do we send as proof of a claim? All we would require is a completed claim form and a copy of the employee’s confirmation that they have tested positive. This can be a copy of the text or any other documentation they may have.
We have all the answers you need
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the SELECT welfare credit scheme offer peace of mind thanks to sickness benefit payouts. But as an employer, how does the scheme work? And how do you make a claim if an employee does fall ill? Our in-house expert is here with all the answers…
Operatives’ sickness benefit
Operatives only. Grade-related and payable after 10 days’ absence.
Technician
Approved electrician
Electrician
Labourer/adult trainees
Weeks 3 – 24 £180 per week Weeks 25 – 52 £90 per week Weeks 3 – 24 £170 per week Weeks 25 – 52 £85 per week Weeks 3 – 24 £160 per week Weeks 25 – 52 £80 per week Weeks 3 – 24 £150 per week Weeks 25 – 52 £75 per week The scheme offers peace of mind for you and your people if someone becomes ill
Staff sickness benefi t
Payable after three days’ absence, for a maximum of 18 weeks in a two-year period. Salary Salary £ 5,500 – £8,500 £53 per week £16,001 – £17,500 £ 8,501 – £10,000 £60 per week £17,501 – £19,000
£10,001 – £11,500
£11,501 – £13,000 £13,001 – £14,500 £14,501 – £16,000 £80 per week £99 per week £118 per week £130 per week £19,001 – £20,500
£20,501 – £22,000 £22,000 +
Th e payment is on a scale and is determined by a worker’s wage
£149 per week £169 per week £188 per week £207 per week £226 per week
An employee is shielding after receiving a letter instructing them to do so. Can we claim for the additional sick pay for them? Yes, a claim can be made. You would simply send in a claim form, along with a copy of the letter they have received. We would then require confi rmation from the employer as to how long the employee is off work, which can be done weekly via email. We would then process the sick pay using the email as proof.
If an operative has tested positive and self-isolates for the two weeks and then returns to work, is there any point sending a claim in if you don’t pay out until week three? We always advise sending in a claim, no matter how long the person is off sick. We have an eight-week linking period for our claims, so if the person goes off sick again within that period they wouldn’t need to do their waiting days again.
We didn’t realise that a claim could be sent in for COVIDrelated illnesses. Can we send in a claim now? We can backdate any claims by one month so if your claim is within that time please send it in. If the person is still off and it’s been over one month, please send everything in and we’ll process what we can.
How long is the sickness benefi t paid out for? We pay out up to 52 weeks sickness benefi t for operatives and 18 weeks for staff members. each week for operatives is determined by their grade, so we have technician, approved, electrician and labourer/adult trainee. The sick pay for staff is determined by Download your claim forms at bit.ly/selectbenefi ts their salary and is on a scale. The claim forms for both staff and operatives so request this information to be completed.
Is an employee entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) as well as payments for the additional sick pay? Yes, the additional sick pay should be added to the SSP.
Do the sick pay payments have tax and national insurance implications? Yes, all payments would have to be processed through the payroll system with the relevant deductions being made.
How much sick pay will my employee receive though the benefi ts scheme? The amounts payable
Where can the claim forms be found? The claim forms are on the SELECT website at bit.ly/select-benefi ts. They can also be requested by emailing Benefi ts Manager Michelle Courtney on michelle.courtney@
select.org.uk
If we have any questions about sick pay or any other aspect of the welfare benefi ts cover, who should we contact? Please contact the SELECT Benefi ts Department by calling 0131 445 9213. Alternatively, email michelle.
FIND OUT MORE
courtney@select.org.uk or Benefi ts Administrator Lynne Macdonald on lynne.macdonald@ select.org.uk.
A brochure about the SELECT welfare credit scheme is available to download at www.select.org.uk/for-contractors www.select.org.uk/for-contractors
CORONAVIRUS TRAINING
A return to class learning As the country prepares to emerge from lockdown, SELECT has introduced a range of comprehensive COVID-19 health and safety measures to ensure that selected training courses can return to The Walled Garden
By Jenny Cryans SELECT Training Manager
We are delighted to be restarting partial training sessions at our headquarters outside Edinburgh after reviewing our health and safety procedures to ensure Members are kept safe. Staggered start times, reduced class sizes, clear signage and a range of hygiene measures are all now in place as The Walled Garden prepares to receive delegates again.
Developed in line with Scottish Government guidance, we hope these COVID-19 measures will enable our Training team to safely deliver the practical part of our inspection and testing training courses from April onwards.
Plans are now under way to allow restricted numbers to attend our Training Centre for these initial courses, with a maximum of six delegates to ensure we have enough room to socially distance in the classroom environment.
We have reviewed the course content in detail and are delivering as much as we can virtually, with reduced time in the classroom for the practical element.
In addition, we have put safety measures in place to ensure that both our delegates and tutors are working in a safe environment while carrying out this part of the programme.
Everything is being done in line with the Scottish Government’s Route Map and we will obviously keep attendance under review depending on the local and national position. SQA (SELECT) Customised Award in Initial Verification Two inspection and testing courses will be available under the new procedures, the first of which is the SQA (SELECT) Customised Award in Initial Verification.
Also known as the 209 course, this session is broken into three sections, all of which candidates must successfully complete:
We are ready to receive delegates again for classroom learning
FIND OUT MORE
A brochure about SELECT’s many training courses is available to download training courses is available to download at www.select.org.uk/for-contractors www.select.org.uk/for-contractors
● Part One (online) – an introduction to BS 7671. ● Day One (online) – delivered as a virtual classroom session from 8.45am to 3pm, this covers initial verifi cation and the inspection and testing of new installations. ● Day Two (practical) – delivered in a SELECT training room, this session will take around two hours.
This SQA course has been designed for qualifi ed electricians who wish to ensure their skills and knowledge are up to date in relation to inspection, testing and certifi cation of new electrical installations including additions and alterations.
SQA (SELECT) Customised Award in Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations including Periodic Inspection The second course to be part-held at The Walled Garden is the SQA (SELECT) Customised Award in Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations including Periodic Inspection.
Also known as the 214 course, this module is split into two parts, both of which candidates must successfully complete: ● Day One (online) – delivered as a virtual classroom session from 8.45am to 3pm, this covers initial verifi cation and inspection and testing of new installations. ● Day Two (practical) – delivered at the SELECT training room from 8.30am to 5pm, delegates will complete the practical part of the initial verifi cation on arrival.
The tutor will then deliver the periodic inspection session.
This SCQF Level 7 course has been designed for qualifi ed electricians who want to cover the full scope of inspection and testing and is recommended for those involved in the inspection and testing of both new and existing installations.
We are delighted to be able to off er these courses as we deliver more training across a range of topics. Members can be reassured that if they visit The Walled Garden, delegates and tutors will be working in a safe environment.
New health and saftey measures are in place For further information or to book, please visit www.select. org.uk/training call 0131 445 5577 or email training@select.org.uk
New ultraviolet installer course – Page 34 Revised In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment Course – Page 35
