One in ten tradesmen in the Capital falsely claims to be part of a trade organisation, sparking warnings that residents may unwittingly be employing unreliable workmen.
A survey of traders by Edinburgh Trading Standards showed ten per cent of building, roofing and plumbing businesses falsely advertised themselves as members of trade bodies such as the Federation of Master Builders.
The check on 103 traders advertised in the latest edition of the Yellow Pages also revealed more than half of those found to be making false claims had the wrong address listed, making them untraceable for customers who want to contact the firms.
And the businesses could face fines of £5000 or two years in prison if they are found guilty of falsely claiming trade organisation membership.
Most trade organisations, including the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and the Confederation of Registered Gas Installers, vet their members, guaranteeing homeowners a standard of workmanship. Others act as intermediaries between traders and unhappy customers.
The survey was carried out after Edinburgh Trading Standards received several complaints that traders were falsely advertising trade association membership in the 2004-2005 telephone directories. Organisations were found falsely claiming membership of the Confederation of Registered Gas Installers (Corgi), the Federation of Master Builders, the National House Building Council and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.
Bob Cairns, city environment leader, said: “Some of these people may legitimately have moved on since placing an advert in the directory. However, this is still a real worry for people trying to find reliable traders in the city.
“It is an offence for traders to make false claims about membership of associations. If a dispute arose in these circumstances it could prove very difficult to obtain compensation or even to make sure work was completed.”
Eric Robinson, the council’s head of Trading Standards, advised the public to contact the trade association to check whether a tradesman was a member.
He said: “The results of this survey show that customers need to consider making further checks with the relevant association to see whether the company is actually registered. We would also advise them to find out whether they can rely on the association for help in the event of a problem.”
John McKinney, Scottish regional administrator of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), added: “In the event of a dispute between a client and trade member, the NFRC provides a conciliation service and an arbitration service, details of which are on its website www.nfrc.co.uk.
“The NFRC will continue to work with Edinburgh Trading Standards to ensure that claims made about membership of the federation are correct.”
The investigation found a total of 11 businesses were making false membership claims – nine in Edinburgh and two in East Lothian. Investigations have been carried out under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and are ongoing with a view to making reports to the procurator fiscal.
Six traders found to be making false claims had listed incorrect addresses – either the address did not exist or there was no sign of the trader at the premises.
The facts
WHILE some trade organisations have strict vetting procedures and intervene on behalf of disgruntled customers, others are organisations in name only. There is no extra legal recourse against registered traders, although their trade body may have its own disciplinary procedure.
The Confederation of Registered Gas Installers (Corgi), requires a Certificate of Competence from an approved body. If a complaint is made against a registered gas installer, Corgi sends an inspector to investigate the problem.
The Federation of Master Builders has a strict vetting procedure and an arbitration service to resolve disputes between builders and clients.
Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) guidelines say licensed workers must employ properly qualified operatives, maintain liability insurance of at least £2 million and produce a financial integrity statement from their auditor or accountant.
From The Scotsman