Opinion

Late payment: why blaming contractors is missing the point

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Comments

  1. Having worked for main contractors and subcontractors extensively it is very clear to me that most main contractors will do whatever they can [to get away with] to delay and reduce payments to their subcontractors. This includes actions totally removed from the build process when they impose ‘money market’ / financial penalties. It’s as if they live in another world. There is often little regard for fair terms and fair application of terms which is sometimes reflected in the way consultants [on behalf of their clients] deal with main contractors. Many across the board ignore the ‘rules of the game’ and ride roughshod over others. It’s time for some honesty and integrity in the business world!

  2. In the Middle East it is not unusual to see contract clauses requiring main contractors to provide proof that they have paid their workers. This is normally in the form of a statutory undertaking, which must be submitted with the monthly invoice. No signed undertaking, no payment.
    It seems to me that a similar mechanism could be put in place to ensure main contractors have made agreed and on time payments to the supply chain. On persistent abuse by main contractors, clients should have the right to pay tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers directly. This would surely focus minds, and would be far more effective than a charter or procurement initiative, which would both have a lag before having the desired effect; assuming of course that main contractors didn’t find creative ways around it.

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