How will the new unemployed react to the recession?

When unemployment topped 1,023,583 under Edward Heath in January 1972, Labour MPs staged a rowdy demonstration in parliament and the Speaker suspended the session for 10 minutes.

It was much the same when the jobless totals twice reached 3 million during the major manufacturing collapses of the Thatcher-Major era and Norman Tebbit didn’t quite say “On yer bike”, though that was his drift. Job losses were the great emotional issue of the time and every MP knew their local unemployment rate.

But Labour was in opposition then. Sixteen years of unbroken growth have dulled old reflexes about the traumas of the Hungry 30s that Labour stalwarts learned at their mother’s knee. Today few voters under 35 remember the last recession of 1991-92 and rare are the byelection candidates with their constituency figures at their fingertips.

But how will all this effect plumbers and tradesmen? Read more…

The new guide to boiler insurance is ready! Take a look…

Hero plumber sorts her bath!

PLUMBER Paul Franklin gallantly came to the rescue of a disabled Newport woman who was without a bath for six months.

As we reported last month, Denise Hudson was having to rely on a carer to wash her by hand.

Mrs Hudson, of Rogerstone, alleged her bath was damaged by workmen installing an electric bath chair and months later she was still waiting for the dispute to be sorted out.

Newport Hero Plumber

But Mr Franklin, who runs P & S Plumbing of Cwmbran, read her story in the Argus and offered to help. Read more…

For experienced local plumbers in your area, get in touch with A* plumbers, or check out our site specialising boiler insurance advice.

Boiler manufacturer advice – Worcester boilers

So you’re looking for help with your Worcester boiler or Worcester Bosch boiler but not sure where to turn? We’re fans of the site Boiler Insurance and Repairs.co.uk, it’s a decent resource for all your techy boiler needs. While you’re at it, check out My Eco Friendly Home Blog for a look at your home from a green angle!

New Boiler Provider Gets In Hot Water

They are all warm smiles now but John and Audrey Tredgett endured several chilly months when their expensive new boiler kept breaking down.
The installer, power company E.on, was the only one in hot water as far as the couple, from Rochford, Essex, were concerned after they shivered from last Christmas to mid-March with no central heating.

Article published by www.express.co.uk
June 16th 2008

A Spot Of Boiler Bother Is Resolved

Boilers behaving badly get consumers hot and bothered whatever the season.
And coming up with cures can be con­fusing and laborious, as Sheila and Ivan Scott found when their two-year-old combi heater started producing an infernal spasmodic thump.

Article published by www.express.co.uk
August 11th 2008

Should Britons Be First In Line For British Jobs

BROKEN VOW: Brown promised to promote British jobs for British workers when he came into power

Angry builders yesterday protested against a move to use foreign labour on a major British construction project.Up to 200 jobs on a new power station in the Midlands are ­destined for Spanish workers, unions claim.

Article published by www.express.co.uk
October 24th 2008

Jen’s New Love Is An Essex Builder

Unlucky in love star Jennifer Aniston appears to have finally found happiness – in the sturdy arms of an Essex builder.Bricklayer-turned-model Paul Sculfor, 36, has enjoyed several dates with the Friends actress since meeting her at a Hollywood party.

Article published by www.express.co.uk
June 7th 2007

Asbo For The ‘Bob The Builder’ Yob Aged Eight

A boy of eight dubbed “Damien” after the devil’s child in the movie The Omen has been given an Asbo – to stop him chasing terrified neighbours with DIY tools.The Bob The Builder fan is now banned from possessing a hammer, saw, screwdriver, nails, chisel, knife, scissors or secateurs in a public place.

Article published by www.express.co.uk
March 14th 2008

Ask the experts: The plumber

“I am redecorating our ensuite bathroom. The plumber has suggested tiling over the old tiles, as removing them may be messy and could require replastering. Won’t two layers of tiles be too heavy for the cavity walls?”

“I would always remove existing tiles in a wet area, because you don’t know if there has been a previous breakdown of the grout or silicone.”

Article published by The Sunday Times
August 26th 2007

Plumber ‘planned to bring down jet’ in rocket attack

A plumber caught trying to buy sub-machineguns and 3,000 rounds of ammunition in a police sting operation was jailed last year for terrorism offences.

Article published by www.timesonline.co.uk
May 1st 2007