SELECT, the trade association for the electrotechnical sector in Scotland, is calling on its members to participate urgently in a new UK Government consultation aimed at tackling poor payment practices and late payments throughout the supply chain.

The consultation proposes several new measures designed to ensure small businesses and the self-employed are paid on time.

The association is currently finalising its own official response but is actively encouraging its Members to submit their views before the consultation closes on Wednesday, 23 October. To streamline the process, SELECT has prepared a draft response form for its Members, available by emailing [email protected].

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SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson stressed the importance of industry participation: "We would encourage all Members to complete this ready-made form and send their reply as quickly as possible. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of the industry and put an end to the poor and restrictive payment practices which can impact so many livelihoods."

SELECT has expressed strong support for many of the proposals, particularly the suggested actions regarding retentions under Measure 8. The consultation presents two potential solutions for addressing the issue of cash retentions in construction contracts:

1. Prohibiting the use of retention clauses entirely.

2. Introducing stringent requirements to protect retention sums that are deducted and withheld.

Mr Wilson stated that the association believes the latter option is likely to be more effective: "It is our view that the second of these options is likely to have most impact as retention under prohibition will undoubtedly mean that the name will be changed but the impact will remain."