ECA works with government and partners to press for equitable business behaviour in the construction industry. In particular, we are focused on ensuring that specialist contractors are paid the full amount due on time, and that cash retentions are not unfairly held up the supply chain.
Fair pay for contracting firms
Payment is a key issue and we work with government and those in the industry supply chain to ensure that they understand the often severe impact of poor payment practices on our members.
Research from ECA has found that many local authorities are still not ensuring their supply chain was paid on time, in contravention of their legal obligations. The ECA is working to ensure greater public sector compliance.
Cash retentions in the supply chain
SMEs are often subjected to cash retentions, which can be as much as 10% and last for periods up to 3 years or more.
Peter Aldous MP launched a bill, supported by ECA, on reforming retentions in 2018. The bill's second reading is due to be held in early 2019.
Cutting red tape for SMEs
ECA works with partners to press government to support SMEs within our sector, especially in relation to reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape for businesses.
Contact us
If you have any questions or issues you wish to raise, please email publicaffairs@eca.co.uk
28 Aug 2018
Reforming cash retentions has unprecedented support in Parliament
22 Jun 2018
Trade bodies applaud Network Rail for commitment to fairer business practices
24 Apr 2018
High profile industry delegation joins Peter Aldous MP to petition Number 10 for urgent reform to payment practices