A spokesperson for Friends of the Earth has called on the government to make sure people living in poverty have energy-efficient homes, which may require the expertise of workers who have completed a plumbing course.

The charity suggested a new law should be introduced to protect those people who cannot afford to heat their properties, which would make it compulsory for such houses to use energy efficiently.

A government initiative to improve the energy efficiency of central heating systems could be positive news for technicians who have attended a plumbing course, as their skills are likely to be required.

Climate campaigner at the organisation Dave Timms pointed out that such a policy would improve many people's health, as well as creating employment opportunities.

"It's a disgrace that millions of vulnerable people in Britain live in poorly insulated and dangerously cold homes that make them ill," he added.

Last week, research by Post Office International Payments showed that central heating is one of the most significant costs for individuals who own houses abroad.

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