The UK Government has offered its support to the construction industry, by
outlining its expectations from businesses as they manage and enforce B2B
contracts during the COVID-19 emergency.
There is a real concern that the construction industry will become embroiled
in costly and long-running disputes over the effects of the pandemic on
projects if it does not look to engage in collaborative discussions to resolve
these issues.
The Construction Leadership Council COVID-19 Task Force has published practical
guidance for all companies involved in the construction supply chain on how to
minimise potential disputes.
The document seeks to provide examples on the types of issues that are
likely to arise, together with practical advice on how to resolve them in a
constructive manner.
It is supported by a statement from Government outlining its behavioural
expectations between businesses in these unprecedented times.
Commenting, Andy Mitchell CBE, co-Chair of the Construction Leadership
Council, said: “In the light of the pandemic, it is vital that we all work
together to minimise potential disputes in order to secure the industry for the
long-term.
“As such we have worked across industry to develop practical guidance for
businesses, which complements the approach already set out by the public
sector.
“We welcome the endorsement of our approach from the UK Government in its
Guidance on responsible contractual behaviour in the performance and
enhancement of contracts impacted by the Covid-19 emergency.
“This is a rapidly developing situation and we are continuously seeking
feedback from industry on the challenges faced and the measures announced to
date.
“We anticipate that all businesses will understand the unprecedented
situation we find ourselves in and work collaboratively, thus avoiding the need
for future legislation.”
