We would like to ensure that you are still receiving content that you find useful – please confirm that you would like to continue to receive ILO newsletters.
19 October 2020
Projects, Construction & Infrastructure Jersey
The potential for disputes in construction projects has risen sharply with the performance and enforcement of contracts directly affected by COVID-19. Lockdown restrictions and consequent delays in the supply chain have led to related delays and losses, with many construction sites having to close or work with reduced staff. Add to that the possibility of further lockdowns should cases in Jersey increase and this disruption to projects could carry on for at least the next six months or longer.
In many cases, projects have been suspended. In others, smaller ancillary works programmes have been agreed to ensure that progress does not stall altogether. However, that has paved the way for potential disputes with, for example, delays in the supply chain affecting the manner in which those works are delivered or ancillary programmes and resequenced works being documented improperly.
Many other issues may arise in the course of a construction contract and a failure to manage small frustrations and issues properly at the outset often leads to larger, multi-faceted, costly disputes further down the line.
Parties should avoid getting into a full blown dispute if possible. They should weigh up the time and cost of an adversarial approach, which will only compound delays, against the cost savings and benefit of a collaborative approach to resolving disputes as they arise.
An open and frank dialogue early on between the parties steered as a form of informal mediation or collaboration can quickly put an end to frustrations and disputes and lead the way for a successful, more cost-effective solution to any dispute that may arise, big or small.
For further information on this topic please contact Rebecca Mcnulty or Jonathan Hughes at Ogier by telephone (+44 1481 721 672) or email (rebecca.mcnulty@ogier.com or jonathan.hughes@ogier.com). The Ogier website can be accessed at www.ogier.com.
The materials contained on this website are for general information purposes only and are subject to the disclaimer.
ILO is a premium online legal update service for major companies and law firms worldwide. In-house corporate counsel and other users of legal services, as well as law firm partners, qualify for a free subscription.