JCT contracts

Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contracts are the standard suite of contracts for construction works in the UK and offer security of tried and tested wording developed over years of use.

These contracts are fairly complicated and not always easy to understand even by experienced practitioners. They are frequently criticised for polarising the construction team and encouraging claims.

That said, they are tried and tested over a long period of time (and during periods of recession) and are suitable for virtually all projects particularly those in the private sector.

This section is maintained by Danny Frost of SOCOTEC Advisory Ltd.

Please note: JCT contracts are being updated progressively during 2024. This section will be updated once all the new versions have been published.

RICS journal article: What's new in the JCT 2024 Design and Build contract?