The disputes and collaboration group for the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Covid-19 taskforce has this week published guidance on futureproofing contract amendments in the light of the pandemic.

Building on the Contractual Best Practice Guidance published by the group earlier in the year, it includes options for amending many of the JCT and NEC contracts to cater for impacts of the pandemic on delivery of the works/services.

The output cannot tell parties what to do but can help them identify the issues and distil their negotiated position into the drafting of the contract. It is intended that this advice will provide a starting point for all parties involved as to how they will deal with the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic going forward.

The working group has also published additional material (a Summary Guide and Guidance on Record Keeping) to help the supply chain manage the impact of Covid-19 on their businesses.

Commenting on the guidance issued, Steve Bratt, group chief executive officer at the Electrical Contractors’ Association, said: “The challenges UK businesses have faced as a result of the pandemic have been unprecedented. As such, the Construction Leadership Council has been working to sustain the construction industry through the current period when restrictions are in place and to ensure it is able to drive future economic growth and prosperity. 

“The additional guidance published on the futureproofing of contracts forms a key part of this workstream, enabling businesses to work across their supply chains and plan for the future. Building on the bank of advice issued by government and industry in the last few months, this combined with the summary and record keeping guides aims to support firms as they continue to navigate the challenges of Covid-19 on their businesses.”

Click here to download the CLC guidance on future-proofing contracts.