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
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.





















