Fifteen contractors have made the Education Funding Agency shortlist for work across the country.

But subcontractors are dismayed that the Government is handing out work to firms who have yet to sign-up with the prompt payment code.

Galliford Try, Mace and Shepherd have won places on the framework shortlist.

But they are not signed-up with the voluntary Prompt Payment Code which has been backed by many of their construction rivals after pressure from the Government

One subcontractor said: “On the one hand the Government is telling contractors to sign-up for this but is still giving work to firms who don’t.

“How can they be taken seriously in their push for prompt payment when they just let this slip by?”

Major contractors have been signing-up to the code since business minister Michael Fallon started cranking-up the pressure several months ago.

Fallon said: “Signing up demonstrates a serious pledge to pay promptly.

“I will keep up pressure on firms to sign up and continue to ensure government leads by example in paying its suppliers on time.”

Another subcontractor said: “They are fine words but need to be backed up with actions.”