header-logo header-logo

Non-payment challenges in the construction industry

10 February 2023 / Tim Seal
Issue: 8012 / Categories: Features , Profession , Construction , ADR
printer mail-detail
110012
Tim Seal questions the effectiveness of the statutory payment regime
  • The importance of having an effective payment regime for construction works.
  • Summary and failures of the statutory payment regime.
  • How smash and grab cases are more likely to arise.

Contractors in the UK construction industry have for a long time worked on small profit margins, which has been a factor in the high turnover of contractors and regular disruption to construction projects. Today, high inflation, the increasing cost of energy and the shortage of some construction materials, when added to the history of fine margins, makes for financial precariousness across the industry. So, in that climate, the prompt payment (or non-payment) for construction works, is often a matter of trading life or death. Moreover, with lengthy supply chains in construction, it doesn’t take long for payment problems to have a widespread impact.

In this article we look at how legislation and industry best practice try to manage payment for construction works and how, despite that, a

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Mike Wilson, Blake Morgan

NLJ Career Profile: Mike Wilson, Blake Morgan

Mike Wilson, managing partner of Blake Morgan chair of the CBI’s South-East Council, reflects on his career the challenges that have defined him

Clarke Willmott—Alexandria Kittlety

Clarke Willmott—Alexandria Kittlety

Partner joins commercial property team in Birmingham

Birketts—Will MacFarlane & Sarah Dodds

Birketts—Will MacFarlane & Sarah Dodds

Family team expands with double appointment in Bristol office

NEWS
Lawyers have expressed dismay at the Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s decision to impose a £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice contributions
NLJ is inviting its readers to take part in this year’s annual reader research, a short survey designed to help shape the future direction of the magazine. The questionnaire consists of just eight quick questions and offers an opportunity for legal professionals to share their views on the content, coverage and issues that matter most to them.
The Law Society has urged regulators not to ban the term ‘no win no fee’, as the profession contemplates measures to prevent a disaster like the SSB Group collapse from happening again
The legal profession's leaders have mounted a robust defence of trial by jury, following reports that Justice Secretary David Lammy is considering restricting it to rape, murder, manslaughter and other cases that are in the public interest
CILEX (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) has been granted permission to appeal Mazur, a decision which has caused consternation among litigation firms
back-to-top-scroll