The COVID -19 pandemic has already had a massive effect on
global economies. Its impact has been unprecedented and there is a
degree of uncertainty on almost every facet of daily life.
This article seeks to touch upon issues that may affect those in
the UK construction industry specifically, but certain elements
will no doubt equally apply across other sectors.
- The doctrine of privity of contract
allows parties to agree their own contractual arrangements and
bargains as they see fit. The allocation of risk is usually
reflected in the price(s) agreed. Good, bad or indifferent, the
parties relationship is governed within the parameters of the
contract. Whilst some projects may be temporarily on pause, issues
such as extensions of time, loss and expense and liquidated damages
will continue to run in the background. We have recently seen
government intervention, specifically on restriction of movement,
on a massive scale to manage the COVID-19 crisis. Such
