The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has launched the Fair Payment Initiative for public sector construction; a move that it claims could save the public sector up to 拢750 million per annum.

The Guide to Best Fair Payment Practices sets out principles to deliver cross-industry agreement on payment practices throughout the construction supply chain. It includes a range of good practice tools and models such as project bank accounts and a fair payment charter, which commits clients, lead contractors and their supply chains to greater transparency; no unfair withholding of retentions; more efficient payment procedures; and payment periods not exceeding 30 days.

Government construction clients and industry bodies have already agreed to sign up to the charter and central government construction clients are expected to adopt the principles set out in the Guide and the Fair Payment Charter by 1 January 2008. The OGC will monitor the progress of implementing fair payment practice and the adoption of the charter over the next two years.

Meanwhile, the Olympic Development Authority (ODA) is working towards signing a pay and conditions deal for the thousands of m&e workers expected on Olympic projects. ODA chiefs are in negotiations with backers of the Major Projects Agreement, which guarantees electricians salaries of 拢50,000 in return for improved productivity and a no-strike deal. The agreement has so far only been used on Heathrow鈥檚 T5, but its supporters are hopeful a version will be implemented at the Olympics.

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黑洞社区 Sustainable Design