18.2 million Brits admit turning to unregulated goods and illegal tradespeople as cost-of-living pressures grow
Over half the nation – more than 18.2 million Brits – are risking their safety by turning to unregulated goods and illegal or unqualified tradespeople in a bid to save money as the cost-of-living crisis continues to put household budgets under strain.
New research of 2,000 adults reveals 53 per cent have changed their spending habits over the past year, with many now prioritising lower prices over safety, quality and peace of mind.
Rising fuel prices (48 per cent) and reduced disposable income (44 per cent) were cited as the biggest drivers behind changing spending habits, with millions admitting they have been forced to cut corners to make ends meet.
The findings reveal a growing willingness among consumers to take risks on potentially unsafe or illegal goods and services. Alarmingly, the trend is also extending into vital household services and repairs, with more than a quarter (28 per cent) admitting they have cut costs on home maintenance and DIY – even appointing unsafe and unregistered tradespeople to work on their households.
The study was commissioned by Gas Safe Register, which has partnered with Shaunagh Brown, an ex-England Rugby Union player and former Gas Safe registered engineer, to warn households about the dangers of using illegal or unqualified gas engineers.
Shaunagh Brown said: “Working as an engineer showed me first-hand how important it is to do things properly. I understand why people are looking to save money right now, but when it comes to gas work and essential safety checks, cutting corners simply isn’t worth the risk.
The short-term savings can quickly turn into much bigger costs – or worse, put your household in danger. It’s about making informed choices and making sure the people working in your home are properly qualified and legally Gas Safe registered.”
More than half (51 per cent) said attempts to save money by choosing cheaper goods or services had backfired, leaving them needing to replace products or pay to redo work later on.
The research also highlights how financial pressure is changing attitudes to safety, with 36 per cent admitting they are now more likely to accept risks than they would have just a few years ago.
Worryingly, 16 per cent admitted delaying routine gas safety checks, while 12 per cent said they would consider using an unregistered gas worker to save money — despite the legal and safety risks involved.
A further 15 per cent admitted hiring cheaper tradespeople for home repairs even when they had concerns about standards or qualifications.
When it came specifically to gas safety, almost one in five (19 per cent) admitted cutting costs on boiler servicing or gas appliance maintenance — work which should only ever be carried out by a legally registered Gas Safe engineer.
The research also exposed confusion around safety responsibilities, with 22 per cent of those who failed to check an engineer’s credentials saying they did not realise checks were necessary. And those who knowingly choose unregistered gas workers would expect to save an average of 25 per cent before considering using an unregistered person for a job.
Urgency was found to be a major factor in risky decision-making, with 14 per cent saying they would consider using an unqualified gas worker if work needed to be completed quickly. Recommendations from friends and family were cited by 12 per cent.
Ronan Howard, Customer First Delivery Lead, Gas Safe Register, said: “It shows just how normalised risk–taking has become when household budgets are under pressure. Many people don’t realise that checking an engineer’s credentials is essential, or assume a small saving is worth the risk when work feels urgent.
Improving awareness around safety checks could help people make better informed decisions, even during difficult financial times. No matter how urgent the situation feels, people should always check that any engineer working on gas appliances is legally qualified and Gas Safe registered.”
Always check that any engineer working in your home is properly qualified and registered on the official Gas Safe Register before allowing any work to take place.
To verify an engineer or find a registered business, visit:
GasSafeRegister.co.uk
Shaunagh’s top safety tips:
- Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer
Only ever use a properly qualified and legally registered engineer for any gas work. You can check credentials and find registered engineers at Gas Safe Register.
- Verify credentials before any work begins
Ask to see a Gas Safe Register ID card. Ensure the engineer is qualified for the specific type of work you need carrying out.
- Never risk using unqualified or illegally operating tradespeople
Even small savings can lead to unsafe work, repeat costs, or serious safety risks including gas leaks, fires, or carbon monoxide exposure.
- Stay alert to warning signs of unsafe gas appliances
Look out for symptoms such as lazy yellow flames, black marks around appliances, excess condensation, or signs of poor performance.
- Prioritise annual safety checks and spread awareness
Ensure gas appliances are serviced annually by a registered engineer and share safety advice with friends and family to help reduce the risk of unsafe or illegal work in your community.
