JCT Sub-subcontract
The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) was formed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1931 when the first JCT standard form of building contract was issued. It now produces a range of standard forms of contract for the construction of buildings accompanied by guidance notes and other standard forms of documentation.
As buildings have become increasingly complicated, so it is less and less likely that any one contractor will have the required skills to carry out all of the works necessary to construct them. As a result, a supply chain is likely to be created, consisting of an interconnected hierarchy of supply contracts that together will carry out the works.
A subcontract is an agreement between the main contractor and an organisation or individual to perform a portion of the works for which the main contractor was contracted.
A sub-subcontract is an agreement between a subcontractor and an organisation or individual to perform a portion of the works for which the subcontractor was contracted.
The JCT Sub-subcontract (SubSub) is designed for use on sub-subcontract works where the main contract is a JCT contract and sub-contracts are one or more of the JCT sub-contracts.
It can be used on a standard sub-contract, and also where the works (sub-subcontract or sub-contract) are intended to be carried out in sections. The works can be based on remeasurement or on an adjusted sub-subcontract sum. It is not suitable where the works are of a complex technical nature, or if they require full back-to-back provisions with the sub-contract.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.



















