Joined a new company and I need some advice!

ronjeremyjnr · Feb 25, 2015

Evening, im a practising electrician and have been for 15 years.

I have started at a new company this week and after doing some research on line the company does not appear on any electrical competent persons scheme, the company is primarily a heating and plumbing company with gas safe and MCS accreditation. My question is that where do I stand? as according to the NIC who they hold MCS with, they are NOT registered domestic installers or approved contractors!!! so im guessing that im working illegally?? I only started on Monday. I rang the boss today who was very confused as he just assumed you take on a qualified man, give him a van and away you go. I have always worked for an NIC approved contractor so I have never got involved with the various competent person schemes.
Any help would be appreciated.

trev · Feb 25, 2015

ronjeremyjnr said:
So aslong as im not putting in a complete new circuit im going to be ok? what about insurance?

Not your problem if you're an employee

Des 56 · Feb 25, 2015

trev said:
Yeah if you want them to sack you.
Please tell me where in any law that it says a company must be NIC registered.
Sorry mate but for a 15 year veteran you're pretty naive

Probably part of the Nic regs trev
Their brainwashing often causes usually sensible sparks to believe in that fantasy,it seems this thread is testament to that

Oh and as far as the companies registration goes,that is the sole business of the owner whether he wants or does not want any form of registration,it seems to be nothing whatsoever to do with an employee.especially a new starter
best hope he does not read this thread or the sacking stick could end up being wielded and justifiably in my opinion

ronjeremyjnr · Feb 25, 2015

@pete999
I know i should of done that now but at the time I just wrongly assumed that they would know about CPS etc as they are not a new company with there gas safe accreditation and the fact that they have been trading for nearly 30 years, My mistake really.

@trev
I guess iam pretty Naive really but as i worked for one company since i was 16 and it was steady work and he was pretty hot on the compliance side of the business so i never had to think about it.

ipf · Feb 25, 2015

ronjeremyjnr said:
@pete999
I know i should of done that now but at the time I just wrongly assumed that they would know about CPS etc as they are not a new company with there gas safe accreditation and the fact that they have been trading for nearly 30 years, My mistake really.

@trev
I guess iam pretty Naive really but as i worked for one company since i was 16 and it was steady work and he was pretty hot on the compliance side of the business so i never had to think about it.

Seem to have a bit about you...and willing to learn. You may just have landed well, in your new job.....if your new boss is sensible and has a bit about him... hope so, good luck.

trev · Feb 25, 2015

Ron I wasn't having a pop at you there. Sorry if it came over that way but honestly, I think you're worrying too much about not very much.
The registration or trading practices of your employer have not a great deal to do with you and should not affect the way you do your job. If you're worried then keep copies of your test paperwork so you can prove you're doing things by the book but other than that just do the necessary and take the coin

Octopus · Feb 25, 2015

TJ Anderson said:
What rewires have you done with no new circuits and a consumer unit?

I've seen it written that because Part P doesn't include rewires - they are not notifiable!

Obviously they are!

I thought I'd add it for clarity.

Midwest · Feb 26, 2015

trev said:
Not your problem if you're an employee

trev's right, however you wouldn't work for somebody if they haven't got any would you? Have you signed a contract of employment or have a job description. What have they taken you on as? If you are working as 'just' a qualified electrician, complying with BS 7671, then it is your employer responsibility for design (for most part) and QS your test results & certificate them.

I think reading between the lines, they've taken you on to do all of the above. You may need to consider your position.

As an aside, is there something wrong with this forum site. Takes an age to type replies, letters/text missing etc?

Midwest · Feb 26, 2015

My more intelligent 'other half', who is an HR manager, advises to go to the ACAS web site (can't cut & paste anything either grrr...). They offer free advice to employee's and employers, i.e. don't listen to people like me!