The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group is challenging Defence Estates over the continued use of retentions across the department’s contracts. Complaints from members reveal that more than a year after the SEC Group initially raised the issue, Defence Estates is still turning a blind eye to its main contractors holding retention monies from their subcontractors.

When quizzed, main contractors claim that they are receiving no guidance from Defence Estates on retentions. SEC Group chief executive, Rudi Klein, says: “We are still getting reports of retention use by main contractors on Defence Estates contracts. As a leading best practice client, Defence Estates can’t allow retention use down the supply chain.”

The SEC Group now wants to meet Defence Estates chief executive, vice admiral Peter Dunt, to voice its concerns and ascertain how the problem will be dealt with.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor