With the festive season underway, many construction sites across the UK naturally begin to slow down – in part due to holidays, but also as a result of poor weather.
With reduced labour availability and supply chain closures, this can impact the construction projects schedules throughout December and into the early new year.
With many contractors or subcontractors predicting a shutdown over Christmas, workload and resource pressure can build in the weeks leading up to it.
Our Construction Law expert, Layna Thompson, explains why planning for seasonal delays is important to avoid contractual disputes or unexpected costs.
Why does the construction industry slowdown at Christmas?
Most contractors close their sites temporarily over the festive period and some workers may potentially extend their holiday with annual leave, which can reduce labour availability even further.
Supply chains often follow the same pattern and material suppliers can shut down completely, making it difficult for contractors to place urgent orders.
A pre-Christmas rise in orders to prepare for these closures can lead to delays as manufacturers struggle to keep up with the workload.
For project owners, this means staffing and delivery resources are stretched and pricing information can be harder to plan.
Without early planning, these pressures can push your project further back and delay your New Year operations.
How to prepare your business?
Procurement processes require early preparation, so it is important to act quickly to access your resources during the peak seasons.
Deferring your project until January, if possible, can prevent rushed procedures and inflated pricing.
If a delay is likely, issuing written early warnings and holding mitigation meetings can help resolve disputes.
Contractors should review their contracts before the break and check for clauses on extension of time, adverse weather and early warning notices.
Most standard forms, such as the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) and the New Engineering Contract (NEC), already contain weather provisions, but they must be linked to the project location and time of year.
Businesses can also prepare for limited staffing by requiring employers and subcontractors to submit their holiday requests in advance.
Securing your site is just as important, as vacant sites are more vulnerable to theft, weather damage and vandalism.
The party with possession of the site will remain responsible for the site, the works, and any on-site materials during any shutdown.
Therefore, it is essential that the site is secure, and you should consider that fencing, lighting, alarms, and insurance arrangements are in place before closing.
Taking practical steps to ensure your site’s safety and prepare for seasonal delays can help protect your company and reduce potential disputes.
How can our team help?
With the right preparation in place, you can enjoy the Christmas break and make sure your operations run smoothly when you return.
Seeking expert legal advice can help review your tender agreements and contracts to make sure your project remains compliant.
Our team can advise on contractual risks linked to the slower procedures and help draft or review extension of time and early warning notices.
If you are looking for guidance on how to handle any Christmas-related delays or disputes, contact our construction law team today.