I have sympathy with much of the sentiment in Tony Bingham鈥檚 article on cover pricing (28 August, page 42)

Even so, he gets carried away with his own rhetoric. The idea that cover pricing is all right (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) simply will not wash. This is a message UK Contractors Group members have taken on board loud and clear. They have spent a good deal of time and money on compliance regimes to help stamp out the practice.

We can now say to clients that the industry is addressing the issue. Client confidence is vital. Sending out mixed messages over 鈥渃over pricing鈥� is counterproductive and could lead to what we all fear 鈥� clients blacklisting those companies found guilty.

So, Mr Bingham, it is time to take responsibility and acknowledge that the practice has no place in construction.

Stephen Ratcliffe, director, UK Construction Group

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