Construction Law

IR35 – changes ahead

2nd March 2020

On 6 April 2020, changes to the off-payroll working rules (IR35) will come into effect. IR35 was introduced in 2000 as a tax avoidance measure to ensure that those working like employees (e.g. workers who are engaged by clients via their own limited company acting as an intermediary) pay similar taxes to employees, if they are treated as an employee by their client.

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Legal terms explained: Aliiance contracting

2nd March 2020

Alliance contracting is a project procurement method whereby a client contracts directly with the supply chain (including key tier 2 contractors and consultants) to establish an integrated and collaborative team (the “Alliance”).

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News in Brief: March 2020

2nd March 2020

Cost of professional indemnity (PI) insurance has risen sharply for civil engineering contractors in recent months, new research says.

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Grenfell reform may extend to procurement

2nd March 2020

Construction seems to be constantly under pressure to reform, with pressure heightening in the wake of disasters like the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy. These calls seem to fall mostly on deaf ears so the next thing heard is usually calls for the industry to have reform imposed upon it by legislation.

Grenfell inquiry participants granted witness immunity

2nd March 2020

Oral evidence given by participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry will not be used in any criminal proceedings against them after an undertaking was provided by the Attorney General.

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Retentions consultation results finally published by government

28th February 202027th February 2020

More than 80% of respondents to the government’s consultation on cash retentions under construction contracts felt that existing measures were ineffective in addressing the challenges of prompt release and security of retentions.

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Fine issued for fatal power pole incident

27th February 2020

Engineering and technology firm SPIE Ltd has been fined after a child was fatally injured when he was trapped between an unsecured power pole – which rolled from the top of an embankment – and a fence.

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One in three firms believe price fixing is legal

27th February 202026th February 2020

The Competition & Markets Authority has launched a fresh campaign against cartel practices in the construction industry after research found that almost a third of firms believe price fixing is acceptable.

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England and Wales High Court (Technology and Construction Court) Decisions: February 2020

21st April 202024th February 2020

Decisions of the Technology and Construction Court of the English and Wales High Court for February 2020.

Materials firm fined over rock belt injury

20th February 2020

Construction materials company Saint-Gobain has been fined £400,000 after an employee suffered serious injuries when a rock handling belt failed at the company’s plant in Barrow-Upon-Soar, Leicestershire.

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