Building Blocks | Developments for the UK construction industry | October 2026
Published on 7 October 2026
Welcome to Building Blocks – Osborne Clarke's regular round-up of Insights relevant to construction industry clients
Insights
Construction and infrastructure
English court refuses injunctive relief to suspend a demand under a performance guarantee
The Technology and Construction Court decision in TTSJV WLL & Ors v BapCo Refining BSC has clarified the limited grounds on which a court will intervene to restrain a guarantee call and affirms the resilience of liquidated damages clauses to penalty challenges under English law.
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English court willing to grant injunctive relief if emergency arbitrator cannot act in time: emergency powers under the Arbitration Act 1996
A recent case illustrates the speed with which the courts can act when even an emergency arbitrator would be unable to act in time.
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Good faith in commercial contracts: English court provides helpful guidance
The Technology and Construction Court has granted summary judgment in Svella Connect Ltd v Virgin Media Ltd to strike out a party's claim for breaches of implied good faith obligations. In doing so, the court provided helpful guidance on the English law position on implied good faith obligations in commercial contracts, including long-term framework agreements and settlement agreements.
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More topics you may be interested in
Real estate
Renters' Rights Act Phase 2 introduces landlord database and rent dispute reforms in England
Planning, environment and energy
Environment | UK Regulatory Outlook September 2026
The Energy Transition | DESNZ launches consultation on changes to the Capacity Market
Health and Safety
Health and safety | UK Regulatory Outlook September 2026
Procurement
Regulated procurement | UK Regulatory Outlook September 2026
ESG
Modern slavery | UK Regulatory Outlook September 2026
Environmental, social and governance | UK Regulatory Outlook September 2026
ESG Knowledge Update | September 2026
Employment
Contingent workforces contend with major reform in the countdown to the UK Budget
Employment, contingent workforce and immigration | UK Regulatory Outlook September 2026
UK Employee Incentives Update | September 2026
GDPR for HR Coffee Break | September 2026
Upcoming events
Employment Rights Act 2025 | Zero hours reforms and the Conduct Regulations
8 October | In person | 09:00-11:00
Although the Employment Rights Act 2025 is now law, much of the detail relating to the guaranteed hours reforms, shift notice and cancellation, and changes to the Conduct Regulations will be confirmed in new regulations. Recent government consultations indicate that these changes will have far-reaching consequences for businesses that rely on flexible labour and for suppliers – such as staffing agencies, platforms and umbrella companies – that engage this type of labour.
Register now >
Employment Rights Act webinar 2 - Every step you take: The new harassment prevention duties
12 October | Online | 10:00 – 10:30
New duties will strengthen the steps employers must take to prevent harassment and bring significant exposure to claims from third parties. In this webinar we will examine what “prevention” really means in practice, from policies and training to culture and enforcement.
Register now >
