Retention reforms are within reach

[edit] A long battle

ECA (Electrical Contractors' Association) has fought for retention reforms for more than 30 years. The Late Payment Consultation is the most pivotal Government intervention since the Construction Act in 1996. It is vital that industry coalesces around one solution: abolition or protection of cash retentions . By submitting a response, using this template, you can help influence the outcome.

Based on Member insights from the Business Policy & Practice Committee, the Government is now considering several of ECA’s lobbying positions. ECA made a substantial contribution to the Government’s Call for Evidence on the Small Business Strategy, which led to the Small Business Plan.

[edit] Government calls for tougher measures to protect electricians

“From… electricians to freelance designers and manufacturers—too many hardworking people are being forced to spend precious hours chasing payments instead of doing what they do best – growing their businesses.

It’s unfair, it’s exhausting, and it’s holding Britain back. So, our message is clear: it’s time to pay up.”

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

[edit] Late payments and mental health

To provide evidence to Government on the human cost of late payments, ECA has launched an industry payment and mental health survey. This led to the Construction Leadership Council’s acknowledgement that poor mental health in the supply chain is linked directly to prompt payment.

This article appears on the ECA news and blog site as "Retention reforms are within reach" dated 1 September, 2025.

--ECA

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