Government ready to tighten contract law

by John d'Arcy



Early evidence suggests that most firms are complying with both the spirit and the letter of the new construction contracts legislation, according to construction minister Nick Raynsford.

However, addressing the annual meeting of the National Specialist Contractors Council, the Minister said he was keeping a close watch out for any attempts to evade the law. "If you have any evidence of this, I want to see it," he told the building specialists. "We will not hesitate to introduce amendments, if necessary. I am determined that the legislation should work."

Results of a pilot survey of the impact of the legislation and the extent to which its requirements are being met were reported to the NSCC meeting.

Harry Nobbs, president of the council, said: "The results show that main contractors are taking note of the requirements of the Construction Act in their subcontracts, although we are disappointed to see evidence of pay-when-certified clauses and extended payment terms being included."

Once more evidence had been collected, this would be reported back to the Construction Industry Board "for consideration and action."

The NSCC now comprises 20 associations of building specialist contractors. In the past year the Association of Sealant Applicators has joined, while the Partitioning Industries Association and the Suspended Ceiling Industries Association have merged to form the Association of Interior Specialists.

A working party is currently reviewing the NSCC's aims, objects, and resources.