The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) has participated in an online conference with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in order to provide direct feedback on the effects of COVID-19 on the plumbing and heating sector.
Following APHC’s close dialog with BEIS over the past weeks, APHC CEO John Thompson was invited to participate in a meeting chaired by Alok Sharma.
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 said: “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.
“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.”