Construction: Coronavirus

(asked on 19th May 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment the Government has made of the potential risk of legal disputes arising from the delays and disruption to construction work as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.


Answered by
Nadhim Zahawi Portrait
Nadhim Zahawi
This question was answered on 8th June 2020

The Government recognises concerns about the effects of Covid-19 on construction projects, and the resultant inability of some parties to perform their contracts in accordance with agreed terms. We are also aware of the potential for legal disputes to arise from this.

That is why we have published guidance on contractual behaviour, which clearly states that responsible and fair behaviour is strongly encouraged in performing and enforcing contracts where there has been a material impact from Covid-19. A copy of that guidance is attached.

The Construction Leadership Council’s Covid-19 Task Force has supplemented this, by publishing further practical guidance for all companies involved in the construction supply chain on how to minimise potential disputes.

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