JCT 2016 has been withdrawn – 5 things to check before signing a JCT 2024 contract
JCT 2016 was officially withdrawn on 31 March 2026, with a transitional period running until the end of the year. If your business regularly signs JCT contracts, the move to JCT 2024 is the perfect opportunity to check that the amendments you’ve relied on for years still give you the protection you expect.
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Don’t assume your old amendments still work
Many contractors and subcontractors have built up a standard schedule of amendments over several years. JCT 2024 includes new clauses and revised wording, meaning amendments drafted for the 2016 edition may no longer achieve what they were originally intended to do – and in some cases could even create inconsistencies.
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Check whether JCT has already addressed the issue
Before carrying forward every amendment, take a fresh look at the standard contract. JCT 2024 includes a number of changes covering areas such as notices, design liability, collaborative working and Building Safety legislation, meaning some amendments may now be unnecessary or need updating.
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Review the amendments that matter most
This is a good opportunity to revisit the clauses that have the biggest commercial impact. Liability caps, design responsibility, fitness for purpose obligations, payment terms, extensions of time and liquidated damages should all be reviewed to make sure they still reflect the level of risk your business is prepared to accept.
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Don’t forget your subcontracts
If you’re a main contractor issuing JCT subcontracts, your subcontract amendments should also be reviewed. Keeping your subcontract documents aligned with the main contract helps avoid unnecessary inconsistencies and reduces the risk of obligations falling through the gaps.
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See it as a contract health check
The move to JCT 2024 is more than a change of edition. It’s an opportunity to simplify amendment schedules that have grown over the years, remove drafting that no longer adds value and make sure your contracts still reflect how your business operates today. A short review now can be far easier – and much cheaper – than dealing with a dispute later.
Written by Ruth Finney
Principal at My Inhouse Lawyer
One of our values (Growth) is, in many ways, all about cultivating a growth mindset. We are passionate about learning, improving and evolving. We learn from each other, use the best know-how tools in the market and constantly look for ways to simplify. Lawskool is our way of sharing with you. It isn’t intended to be legal advice, rather to enlighten you to make smart business decisions day to day with the benefit of some of our insight. We hope you enjoy the experience. There are some really good ideas and tips coming from some of the best inhouse lawyers. Easy to read and practical. If there’s something you’d like us to write about or some feedback you wish to share, feel free to drop us a note. Equally, if it’s legal advice you’re after, then just give us a call on 0207 939 3959.
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