CORGI new reduced cost registretion

[uug197h]

CORGI’s introduction of a new ‘reduced cost’ registration fee for registered employees who want to carry out private work for family and friends has been heavily criticised by the APHC as an ill thought out concept that would only legitimise the black economy.



CORGI has announced that for the consumer within it is going to adjust the cost of additional registrations to make it easier and less costly for operatives to work on private jobs legally. The move is said to be in response to concerns expressed by many installers who fear that they could risk prosecution for a comparatively small number of jobs. Legally, to be able to carry out private work — that which has not been organized by their CORGI registered employer — individuals must be registered in their own right.

Up until now, anyone who wishes to work outside their current registration has had assessment fee amounting to £375 plus VAT. CORGI now proposes to offer an additional CORGI registration which cuts out the assessment fee, resulting in a cost saving of £200 plus VAT.

The Chief Executive of the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) has heavily criticised the new proposals. Clive Dickin says: "It’s a disjointed, ill thought out concept that will alienate just about every employer in the UK. It will do nothing more than legitimize the trade’s black economy. This is just the latest — and the worst — example of CORGI prioritizing income and statistics over bringing forward legitimate safety measures".

The APHC argues that the proposal would do nothing to benefit the consumer and would not enhance gas safety as the employee will already be fully trained to ACS standards and will already be registered with CORGI through their employer. Clive Dickin adds "Engineers may well be able to work legitimately as ‘CORGI approved’ but this will not guarantee that all other areas of law are being upheld, such as tax, insurance and best practice for the consumer within trading standards. So, if an engineer damages the residence while they are doing the job, the customer will probably find it’s down to them to pay repairs rather than the plumbing and heating engineer. Surely CORGI must recognise that this undermines its position."

CORGI points out that it does not condone ‘moon-lighting’ and will continue to investigate any complaints of illegal gas work. It advises operatives that they could be in breach of their employment contract if they under-take private work without the permission of their employer.






The APHC is one of a number of organisations who are competing with CORGI to win five year contract to run the gas installer registration scheme. The Health & Safety Executive is currently reviewing proposals and hopes to be able to announce a short list candidates this month.