18.2 million Brits admit cutting corners by buying unregulated or unsafe goods

18.2 million Brits admit to cutting corners by choosing cheaper goods or services – despite concerns about their regulation, quality or safety.

A poll of 2,000 adults found more than half (53 per cent) have changed their spending habits over the past year as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.

And as a result, 33 per cent – that’s more than 18 million – admitted they go for more inexpensive products or services, despite 46 per cent having worries.

With the rising fuel prices (48 per cent) and reduced disposable income (44 per cent) also cited as the main reasons behind decreased spending.

Clothing (43 per cent), cleaning products (39 per cent) and skincare (19 per cent) were also the things consumers buy on the cheap despite feeling uneasy about the reliability or trustworthiness.

While more than a quarter (28 per cent) said it has also crept into essential services such as home maintenance and DIY.

But 51 per cent admitted trying to save money by buying cheaper goods or services, which has resulted in them having to replace items or redo the work later on.

Financial pressure was changing attitudes to risk, with 36 per cent saying they were now more likely to accept risks than they would have a few years ago.

The study was commissioned by Gas Safe Register [www.gassaferegister.co.uk], which has teamed up with Shaunagh Brown, an ex-England Rugby Union player and former Gas Safe engineer, to highlight the dangers of cutting corners.

She 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 registered.”

The study also found 16 per cent have delayed routine gas checks and 12 per cent of those who’ve owned a gas operated boiler or appliance would consider using unqualified engineers to save themselves some cash.

While 15 per cent admitted they had chosen cheaper tradespeople for home repairs despite concerns about standards.

When it came to household work, 19 per cent admitted cutting costs for boiler servicing or gas appliance maintenance.

The findings also revealed gaps in understanding, with 22 per cent of those who failed to check an engineer’s credentials saying they did not realise they needed to.

Risk-taking was not limited to services, with 24 per cent opting for cheaper small electrical items despite safety concerns, while 10 per cent did so with larger electrical appliances.

According to OnePoll.com figures, the average saving required to justify using an unregistered engineer was 25 per cent for a single job.

Urgency was the main factor pushing risky decisions, cited by 14 per cent as a reason they might use an unqualified gas engineer, followed by trusted recommendations (12 per cent).

Ronan Howard, customer first delivery lead for Gas Safe Register, added: “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.”