Petition · Department for Business and Trade
Legally prohibit retention clauses in construction contracts.
Open for signatures
77 signatures
What the petition asks
We want legislative change to prohibit retention clauses in construction contracts. I believe making such retention practices unlawful can create a fairer marketplace where contractors are paid in full and on time, removing the financial burden and uncertainty that I feel plagues the industry.
In my work as a construction dispute resolution professional, I have seen first-hand how retention clauses in construction contracts can be exploited. I see these clauses being misused to withhold payment from contractors for unsubstantiated reasons.
Retention clauses are intended to ensure the quality of work by holding back a portion of payment, but in my experience have become tools for larger companies to exert undue pressure on smaller contractors.
Retention clauses are intended to ensure the quality of work by holding back a portion of payment, but in my experience have become tools for larger companies to exert undue pressure on smaller contractors.
Timeline
| 15 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
77
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Business and Trade
Opened
15 Apr 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.