Article re-produced with kind permission of the PCG

In reaction to this advert Clive Dickin, the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors Ltd (APHC), commented, “Whilst APHC fully supports the message in the advert, we do feel the Inland Revenue has been unfair in using an unrepresentative stereotype of a plumber to depict a person who evades paying tax. We and other organisations are working hard to eliminate the small minority of rogue traders within the plumbing and heating industry whilst at the same time trying to install consumer confidence when needing the services of a plumber. This advert does not help our industry and we have lodged a formal complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority. We were also disappointed that the Inland Revenue did not consult with us as we are the leading employer’s representative for the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales”

Mr Dickin went on to comment “If you are a plumber in need of reliable tax advice then we can help. Please contact APHC on 02476 472 503 or visit our website www.aphc.co.uk.”