An everyday story of construction folk

The scene is not Ambridge, but a main contractor's office (see page 1).

Main contractor: "I want you Mr Specialist to help me on this project. Your contract will be worth about one third of the total value and all you have to do is sign this contract."

Specialist: "Just a second. I don't agree with some of these terms and conditions."

Main contractor: "But this is a standard form of contract, completely unadulterated and prepared by that most august of bodies - the Joint Contracts Tribunal."

Specialist: "That's as may be, but all the terms have been written by parties such as architects, engineers, local authorities, clients, quantity surveyors, main contractors - even Scottish builders have had their say in what happens this side of the border. Why can't the people who actually do the majority of the work have a say in the terms and conditions under which they are expected to comply. Doesn't it seem iniquitous that specialist contractors do not have more influence in writing contracts? After all, everyone is talking about partnerships, integrating the supply chain, and now we have the Respect for people task force that is looking at ways of improving the conditions for the workforce."

Main contractor: "But it is the expertise of the main contractors and the professionals that is needed when preparing new forms of contract."

Specialist: "Well, it's no wonder then that JCT standard forms of contract have such low currency - that is even before you start to write in your own modifications."

Main contractor: "That, my friend, is the way of the world and will continue to be so, at least for the foreseeable future."