Construction Contracts And COVID-19

There's no escaping the financial impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on most business sectors around the world. The construction industry hasn't been left unscathed, with continuing challenges to bring staff and equipment to the island, supply chains still operating below optimum and, at the simplest level, delays being brought about not only from these factors but also earlier site closures.

Fortunately, the Jersey Government issued construction specific legislation early, which likely prevented many issues (which might lead to disputes) from arising. This doesn't mean, however, that disputes won't arise in the future. Even as we emerge from the pandemic – contractors still concerned that they could be hit by delays or increased costs as a result of Covid-19 should seek legal advice as it may be that they have express entitlements to relief under their contract.