Hang on, this can’t be correct can it? You’re about to read an article about people thinking politicians are doing something right!

The ECA (Electrical Contractor’s Association) recently published a blog where they outline that reshuffles in the political cabinet could mean improvements for the electrical sector, putting particular emphasis on people being changed over into different roles.

Mark Prisk, who was previously the Construction Minister, has now been transformed into the housing minister. The ECA is particularly hopeful that because of his background in construction, Prisk will focus on developing new house building projects, therefore bringing more electrical work into the sector via wiring installations etc.

Steve Bratt, ECA Group CEO, says: “Mr Prisk’s background in construction should mean he will understand the issues affecting our sector. We trust he will introduce measures to get ‘shovel ready’ housing projects off the ground and incentivise new building. The news today –  that the Government is launching a £10 billion housing package, unlocking 75,000 stalled homes under construction – is very positive. And we hope it is the shape of things to come.”

The ECA is also quick to hope for good things from John Hayes, who has been moved to the post of Energy Minister. It’s hopes that Hayes will focus on supporting smaller business who are focused on developing carbon-cutting installations/technologies, which will in turn open up more work for electricians.

Given that the Green Deal, which sees new support given to homeowners for their eco-saving ventures is starting early next year, the scope for more work to be given to electricians can be vast. However, recent findings also found that electricians currently aren’t completely convinced that the Green Deal will do much to help them, so steps still need to be taken to rectify this.

Meanwhile, John Hayes’ old job of Skills Minister will be taken up by Matthew Hancock. The ECA are hoping he will support industry trading.

“We understand with Mr Hancock’s background on the Public Accounts Committee, that he will seek to ensure greater value for money from the skills budget. We support this focus. However, this must not affect funding for courses that deliver the qualifications that industry wants. These will ensure we have the top talent to work for years to come and give young people a real chance to build a lifelong career.”

Finally, Dan Foster, who will be in charge of Building Regulations, is also expected to produce good things by the ECA. He replaces Andrew Stunell.

“Mr Stunell showed leadership on linking Building Regulations compliance with carbon reduction. We hope Mr Foster will continue this push, and work with industry bodies like the ECA. These representatives could partner with local authorities to help encourage and ensure that the Building Regulations are properly adhered to. We hope that the new Minister will also see merit in our idea to make it mandatory for electrical contracting firms to register under a Part P certification scheme. This will help ensure that all electricians working in the domestic market are suitably competent to do so. We also believe that this will raise public awareness of what constitutes a competent electrician, in much the same way Gas Safe has done for gas engineers.” 

In other news, I tried to resist for the entire article to say this, but I’ll just go ahead.

Everybody’s shuffling.