The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) recently participated in an online conference with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in order to provide direct feedback into Government on the effects of COVID-19 on the plumbing and heating sector.
Following APHC’s dialogue with the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) over the past weeks, APHC CEO John Thompson was invited to participate in an online BEIS conference chaired by the Secretary of State – The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP.
APHC was asked to participate in order to provide direct feedback on key issues and what actions need to be undertaken by Government relating to how plumbing and heating contractors are able to work safely in people’s homes.
John Thompson commented: “It was apparent from the conference that the Government is keen to get more businesses back working during the current COVID-19 situation, especially those who are required to work in households. During the conference Alok Sharma was pressing to understand the unique issues that our industry is facing alongside other occupations in being able to continue to work and being able to do so safely.”
Following the conference, APHC was invited to be a member of a Technical Working Group in order to provide direct input into new Government guidance for how trades people and other professionals can work safely in people’s homes. Furthermore, APHC has been asked to provide input to assist with formulating guidance for consumers on how they can have emergency, maintenance, and installation work carried out safely in their homes.
“Throughout the COVID-19 period we have been speaking with our members and collating their experiences and concerns. This new Technical Working Group will allow us to share the experiences and thoughts of APHC members on working safely during the COVID-19 period. This feedback will directly shape forthcoming guidance on safe working. I will also feedback on areas where our members require further guidance and provide specific scenarios where it is more difficult to have a safe working environment”, John Thompson said.
