ECA president calls for end to public sector retentions

ECA president Allan Littler has called for improvements in payment practices and procurement in construction.

Speaking at the Association’s annual dinner, Littler said: “If the government is really committed to promoting trust and teamwork, as stated in the recent Select Committee Report, why are there still retentions on public sector projects?

“If this draconian practice were stopped, then £1.5bn would be returned to this industry and provide support to SMEs in their hour of need.”

Littler updated electrical contractors on the ECA’s convergence talks with the HVCA. “The ECA and HVCA officers have continued to debate an emerging convergence model which will be presented to members this year.

“The final outcome must establish constructive collaboration, not only between our two bodies, but also with Select in Scotland and, potentially, others over time.

“When we get it right, not only will the ECA and HVCA continue to be the dominant influences in the single disciplines of electrical and mechanical contracting, but we will also be a single voice for m&e companies and, as such, will embrace the whole of the building services engineering industry. No one could then refuse us our rightful place at the top table on construction matters.”

Littler also said that progress was being made, independent of convergence, on a combined m&e working agreement. “We are co-operating with the HVCA and Select to develop a proposition where we will be in a position to negotiate with our union colleagues in Unite on the terms and conditions required for the future.”