Construction contracts used throughout the built environment sector have been updated, with businesses needing to adopt the modernised versions to remain compliant with the law.
The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) – the UK’s leading organisation for standardised construction contracts, guidance notes, and legal documentation – has confirmed that its 2016 contact suite has been withdrawn as of March 2026, with its 2024 edition the only one now available for purchase.
For anyone operating in the built environment – from contractors and consultants to developers and housebuilders – the update brings forward a range of changes designed to reflect modern construction practice, legal developments and wider construction industry priorities.
Natalia Sokolov, Partner in Thrings’ Construction and Engineering team, takes a look at the JCT 2024 changes and the shift they bring to managing risk, responsibility and collaboration.
What has changed
The JCT 2024 suite introduces several notable updates:
· Dutyholder regime – The new suite incorporates the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022, particularly Part 2A. This places additional obligations on Principal Designers and Principal Contractors, as well as Clients and others, aligning the JCT 2024 contracts with current legislative requirements.
· Expanded JCT “Relevant Events” provisions – Contracts now include clearer grounds for extensions of time for delay caused in cases such as pandemic, statutory changes and contaminated materials. Specific reference is also made to asbestos and unexploded ordnance, helping to clarify how these risks are allocated and managed during the project works.
· Dispute resolution - This has been given earlier focus in JCT 2024 with provisions encouraging negotiation between the parties at an earlier stage.
· E-notices and signatures: The JCT 2024 contracts now formally allow for electronic notices and signatures, reflecting how projects are administered in practice.
· Sustainability – New Supplemental Provisions in the JCT 2024 encourage contractors to suggest environmentally responsible solutions to employer’s, supporting improved project performance against environmental targets.
· Collaborative working – The JCT 2024 includes a stronger emphasis on proactive dispute avoidance. While parties still retain the right to adjudicate at any time under the Construction Act, the intention is to resolve issues earlier and more efficiently. This bring a similar philosophy to the NEC suite of contracts, which also encourages collaboration and early warning of project issues. The introduction of a new JCT Target Cost Contract also reflects a growing appetite for shared risk and incentivised cost savings.
Practical advice for clients
If you regularly use JCT contracts, now is the time to act.
· Start by reviewing your existing schedules of amendments. Many organisations rely on heavily amended JCT standard forms, and these will need to be carefully updated to align with the 2024 JCT editions. Simply “lifting and shifting” old amendments may create inconsistencies or unintended risk.
· Consider how the new provisions affect your role in the project. Dutyholder obligations under the Building Safety Act, for example, may require changes to internal processes, notification, and competency as well as additional documentation.
· Finally, take the opportunity to brief your teams. Commercial, project and legal teams should all understand what has changed and how it impacts contract administration and competency to take on a particular role in practice.
Taking a proactive approach early will help ensure your contracts remain compliant, commercially balanced and suitably for your particular project both legally and commercially.
Thrings’ Construction and Engineering lawyers are well versed in advising those in the construction and real estate industry in navigating ever-changing regulation, with expertise in supporting clients with property portfolios, investment and transactions. For more information, get in contact today.