This week, in the daily coronavirus briefing, Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, recognised the vital role emergency plumbers are playing.

In his speech, Mr Hancock said: “So from now we’re making testing available to all over-65’s and their households with symptoms, and to all workers who would have to leave home in order to go to work and members of their households, again who have symptoms. From construction workers to emergency plumbers, from research scientists to those in manufacturing, the expansion of access to testing will protect the most vulnerable and help keep people safe.” 

This is good news for those who may be self-isolating due to personal or household coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result would see engineers able to return to work to respond to emergency call outs.

Kevin Wellman, chief executive of CIPHE said: “We have known for a long time the critical role plumbers play in society. Plumbing and heating engineers have been on the front line, protecting households from emergencies during the pandemic. It is really positive to see our government publicly recognise the impact of plumbers and the plumbing industry in these trying times.

“For our members and the sector at large, the ability to access testing is vital. Not only does it protect consumers and the vulnerable, but it also alleviates some of the financial pressures being faced by those who cannot work due to potential symptoms.

“As ever, we would urge any member of the public requiring emergency works to contact a CIPHE registered engineer.

You can find out more on testing at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested