HSE reveals surge in prosecutions of illegal gas fitters

Families, homeowners and businesses are being warned not to gamble with their safety by using illegal gas fitters, as new figures reveal a sharp rise in prosecutions for illegal gas work.

To mark Gas Safety Week 2026, HSE has revealed that 17 people have been convicted for carrying out gas work illegally since the start of 2025. The figures compare with three convictions in the year 2022/23 and four in 2023/24.

Over the past five years, HSE has successfully investigated and prosecuted dozens of defendants for breaching gas safety laws by working on gas appliances without being Gas Safe registered.

HSE’s Principal Inspector of Gas Safety, Steve Critchlow, said: “Gas Safety Week is the right time to remind people just how serious the risks of illegal gas work can be – and the rising number of convictions of rogue traders carrying out unregistered gas work should be a warning to everyone.

“Temperatures are going down and bills are going up, but cutting corners when it comes to getting your gas appliances properly serviced by a registered professional could be a fatal mistake.

“Uncontrolled gas leaks can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning; and even though the gas industry has an excellent safety record, every tragic incident is one too many.

“As people start thinking about their heating ahead of winter, it’s exactly the right time to say: check your engineer is on the Gas Safe Register before you let them anywhere near your gas appliances. If they’re not on the register, don’t let them through the door.

“If you think you’ve been the victim of a rogue gas trader, report it straight away; HSE can investigate and prosecute unregistered gas fitters who put the public in harm’s way.”