The worst cowboys are the ones i call ebay sparks. they buy the cheap imported counterfeit CU's off ebay for £45 (same model in usual suppliers is £70+). fit a couple of these with dodgy mcbs, rcds etc.. and away they go. no testing, no certs. add a bit on for profit and they can make a couple hundred per week tax free.
I had to replace one of these once, and it wasn't in a house, was fitted by a supposed niceic approved contractor (niceic website never heard of him mind) in a small cafe, the switches were so brittle and the plastic was dodgy as hell. You took your life in your hands when turning off the incoming main switch.
There is more laws concerning waste collection in england now than there is concerning electricians!
If you as a householder pay somebody who is not licensed to take away your rubbish, and they have no environment agency licence then you can get a £5k fine! the onus is on you to go online and check they have the relevant licence to carry waste.
Yet, you can pay any tom dick or harry to carry out electrical works it seems with out having to verify they have insurance, part p or any other safety check. surely the customer should have a duty to verify the electrician is approved at very least by a scheme, has insurance, testing qualifications etc... failure should carry a fine.
If your mate takes your rubbish and dumps it, worst is it ruins a field and council pay to clean it up, pay a dodgy electrician and your house could burn down and kil your family! says it all really.