Construction subcontracts are subject to specific statutory rights under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (Construction Act). Key rights include: right to payment at regular intervals, right to suspend for non-payment, and adjudication as a fast-track dispute resolution.

• Construction Act 1996: payment notices required; 28-day pay less notice period
• CIS (Construction Industry Scheme): main contractor must deduct 20%/30% tax from subcontractors unless verified by HMRC
• Retention: typically 5% held until practical completion, then 2.5% for defects period
• Adjudication: any party can refer disputes to adjudication at any time — 28-day decision
• Insolvency: joint names insurance recommended for larger projects

Legal reference: Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996; Construction Industry Scheme (CIS); Scheme for Construction Contracts 1998