Does the construction sector need to rethink its recruitment and retention strategies?

Traditionally the construction sector has been dominated by self-employed contractors. The latest data released from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) however has shown that in the fourth quarter of last year the number of self-employed workers operating in the construction sector has fallen by over 100,000 from the first quarter of 2020 and almost 200,000 since the first quarter of 2019. As a result, the number of self-employed workers within the industry has hit its lowest level for 18 years.

Adjudication

What is Adjudication?

Adjudication is best described as either a contractual or statutory procedure for a swift and interim dispute resolution. It is provided by a third-party adjudicator who is independent to the dispute and generally agreed by the parties in dispute. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is commonly used in construction disputes.

Construction companies struggling with under-priced contracts as costs increase

As the height of the pandemic continues to recede, contractors still face several ongoing issues, including sky-high materials prices and staff shortages. Construction cost inflation in 2022 is currently unprecedented, and after having decades of price stability in the supply of labour and materials, construction costs have increased rapidly combined with shortages of all resources. Construction cost increases and resource shortages bring two problems:

1. Trading losses as contracts become under-priced; and
2. Costly delays to the works.

It's Been a Privilege - Protecting Post-Accident Investigations

There are some aspects of law which even confuse Judges, and one of those which crops up time and again is legal professional privilege.  Whilst it may seem to be something best left to lawyers to entertain themselves with in a dreary Court on a rainy Monday afternoon, understanding the principles can actually help protect a business before it is too late.  If the arguments have begun, it is already too late.

RPDT - Residential Property Developer Tax

RPDT is a new tax on profits of companies carrying out Residential Property Development activities, and is intended to cover the costs of replacement unsafe cladding. It will only apply on accounting periods which come to an end on or after April 2022. The tax will apply to profits above a £25m annual allowance and the government expects to raise £2 billion in tax over the intended ten year life span.