Selling a construction business is a big step that you might only get to do once. The last thing you want is for the deal to fall through or for a buyer to slash the price because a nasty surprise pops up during due diligence.
If you engage individual workers as contractors, it’s important to make sure they’re not employees in the eyes of the law. Improperly characterising employees as contractors exposes businesses to backpay claims for employment entitlements such as leave, allowances and overtime as well as breaches of any applicable Modern Award.
When a staff member is sick or injured for an extended period employers must balance compassion and compliance. There may come a point where the employer’s operational requirements require a role to be fulfilled.
Force majeure clauses are gaining prominence in Australian construction contracts as parties grapple with increasing disruptions, from extreme weather and pandemics to geopolitical instability and supply chain shocks.
Selling your construction company isn’t just a business decision. It’s often the culmination of years of hard work, calculated risk, and persistence in a tough industry. When the time comes, most owners want to know one thing: how do I get the best possible price for what I’ve built?
As part of the recent Federal Budget, the Albanese Government announced it will introduce a legislative ban on non-compete clauses for employees earning under the high-income threshold (currently $175,000).
In the unpredictable world of construction, even the most carefully managed projects can face disruption. When extreme events hit, from natural disasters to pandemics, a force majeure clause may provide breathing room. But how does such a clause actually operate once it’s in the contract?
Extension of time (EOT) and delay claims under the GC21 contract require more than just pointing to a hold-up and expecting more time. Whether you’re a contractor, subcontractor or principal, understanding the steps and documents involved can make the difference between a successful claim and an end-of-project dispute.
With construction insolvencies continuing to climb - more than 2,600 companies went under in the past year - construction companies are increasingly wary about unfair preference claims. These claims can sting: you finally get paid, only to be told later you have to give that money back. So, can you and should you still chase unpaid debts without opening yourself up to risk?
