Contractual Remedies For Adverse Weather

Originally published 7th January 2010

It was reported this week that some work on the Aquatics Centre at the 2012 Olympic park had to stop due to the weather and, given conditions currently prevailing over much of the UK, this will not be the only site affected. This raises questions of what contractual remedies might be available for the delays and costs caused by the current cold snap. The remedies available vary from contract to contract with some containing more generous provision than others so it is worth checking the provisions applicable to each project individually.

The JCT and SBCC standard forms include as a Relevant Event, entitling Contractors to extension of time, "exceptionally adverse weather conditions". This is not a...