CRT relaunches fairness scheme

The Construction Round Table is to relaunch its 12-point Commitment to Fair Construction Contracts scheme today to take account of the Construction Act, which received Royal Assent last July.

The programme, which was originally launched in October 1995 by the CRT, aims to end the industry's confrontational culture. The CRT sees its initiative as one of the main tools needed to deliver the cultural change needed for efficiency called for by the Latham Report.

The scheme calls for its supporters to observe principles such as minimising changes to planned work and making interim payments within as short a period as possible. Nick Raynsford, the Minister for London and Construction said:

"The original Commitment attracted an encouraging level of support from the industry and its clients; now that it has been revised to take account of the latest legislation it is more than ever a commitment to partnership, teamwork, and fair dealing. It has my fullest support."

Since the initial launch, some 74 companies and organisations including Bovis Construction, Tarmac and Balfour Beatty have gone on the register, which is available for inspection from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply.