News and press releases
Stay Safe From Rogue Traders
Press release
Thomas Robertson Henson, of The Jobbing Plumber, receives his accreditation from Councillor Tracey Dixon.
South Tyneside Council is reminding residents of its successful Safetrader Scheme as part of National Rogue Trader Week helping to prevent people falling victim to bogus callers and traders.
The Safetrader Scheme is a register of businesses which meet a minimum set of standards set by South Tyneside Council's Trading Standards Team. It provides residents with an alternative to using the goods and services offered by doorstep callers or unknown traders from the telephone book. Although the majority of these traders are genuine, there are some who are not.
Many bogus callers or rogue traders do not provide any of the legally required paperwork on 'cooling off' periods, or may demand payment up front, then fail to carry out or complete the work. Often residents don't realise they have been conned until it is too late.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, the Council's Lead Member for Leisure and Community Safety, said: "Rogue traders are unscrupulous individuals who prey on the vulnerable and think nothing of conning people out of their cash. They often arrive unannounced, which can be quite distressing for residents, offering all kinds of services, from gardening work to resurfacing driveways. The work is usually unnecessary, done to a poor standard or not done at all.
"Our Safetrader Scheme helps to prevent people falling victim to this kind of practice, giving them an alternative to buying goods and services from salesmen on their doorsteps. We recommend that people use this."
The scheme was launched in 2003 and has more than 70 businesses registered, from plumbers and electricians to builders and carpet cleaners. All the traders listed have been vetted and agreed to abide by a code of practice ensuring good workmanship, fair price and compliance, as well as an arbitration scheme.
Thomas Robertson Henson, who trades as 'The Jobbing Plumber', is the latest trader to be accredited to the scheme. He was presented with a certificate in recognition of his Safetrader status from Councillor Dixon.
She said: "I am delighted to welcome Mr Henson to our list of safe traders. His business is just one of the many reliable building companies, professionals in home maintenance and the motor trade accredited that are providing good services, and peace of mind, to people across the Borough. We also have a high satisfaction rate among users of registered Safetraders and most businesses report an increase in trade since joining."
Mr Henson set up 'The Jobbing Plumber' two years ago with the support of the Council's Business Matters service, after he was made redundant from his previous employment of more than 20 years. Since joining the Safetrader Scheme, he has received a number of referrals and completed several jobs.
For further information about the Safetrader Scheme, the list of accredited businesses or to join the scheme, call the Trading Standards Team on (0191) 424 7878 or visit www.southtyneside.info/safetraders
Individuals who are thinking of setting up their own business and would like advice, can contact the Council's Economic Growth Team on (0191) 424 7565.
