In a letter supported by FIS issued to Kevin Steward MSP, Minister for Local Government Housing and Planning, the Chair of the CICV Forum draws attention to the unwelcome practice of amendments to Building Contracts in both the public and private sector and the devastating impact this can have on the construction sector as risk is forced through the supply chain. The letter alerts the Minister to one instance where a contract from a Local Authority was presented with a total of 67 pages of amendments.
The letter also spotlights specific instances where entitlement have been removed and contractors are being forced to take all the financial impact of COVID related events.
In support of the letter, FIS CEO Iain McIlwee stated: “Once again we see the industry working together lead by the CICV. It is so disappointing to see some of these underhand tactics being used to exploit the industry’s need to find work and ramp things back up again – Alan makes some excellent points in his letter and I hope the Scottish Government will step up and take on board the suggestions contained. With the extended lock down Scottish Businesses have had a particularly difficult time, but these issues are not confined to Scotland and companies across the UK need to be very careful about what they sign up to in these uncertain times.”
The full letter can be read here.
Note that the Construction Leadership Council continue to gather information about the nature and extent of commercial issues within the industry – the deadline for the survey (which can be completed here) is Friday 21st August. FIS is encouraging all members to complete where they have concerns to raise specific issues as they arise with FIS.