Workers who have gained their approved plumbing or gas qualifications could find themselves increasingly in demand to carry out jobs as part of renovation projects.

According to Robert Cassidy, brand manager at Britannia Living, a growing number of British homeowners are hoping to add a unique and personal touch to their kitchen and are doing so by purchasing a range of different appliances.

"What you are seeing now is an uptake in […] coloured cookers, away from the normal stainless steel. The gloss blacks, cream, red, whites – colours are coming more into the kitchen," he explained.

Following the recent prosecution of an illegal gas fitter working in West Yorkshire, however, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been eager to press home the importance of hiring a fully-qualified tradesperson to install gas appliances.

HSE inspector Andrew Denison commented: "The law clearly states that anyone carrying out gas work must be appropriately qualified and accredited."

And the growing number of people purchasing such machines, combined with the HSE's calls, could well drive demand for top-quality gas workers and plumbers.

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