The Playbook also outlines the key role construction will play in the UK’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and work to bring greenhouse gas emissions down to net zero by 2050.

Measures include:

• Providing greater certainty to construction through long term plans for key programmes. This will include longer term contracting across a range of areas which will give industry the certainty required to invest in new technologies, delivering improved productivity and efficiency savings

• Incentivising industry to innovate by focusing on the output of what government want a project to achieve, rather than micromanaging how it is done

• Modernising construction by standardising designs and parts, as well as embedding digital technologies including the UK Building Information Management Framework

• Greater focus on building positive relationships with robust contract management between project leads and industry

• Investing more in training and apprenticeships, driving forward innovation in construction, boost productivity and focus on value for money in public sector developments.

Cabinet Office Minister Lord Agnew, said: “As the largest construction sector customer, government is in an ideal position to ensure that the industry is productive, professional and delivers value for money for taxpayers.

“By adopting the new Construction Playbook, developed with industry partners, we will help ensure that the sector becomes greener and more innovative.”

Andy Mitchell, the CEO of Tideway and Co-Chair of Construction Leadership Council said: “The Government can influence the whole direction that our sector takes with the way it buys new public buildings and infrastructure.

“The Construction Playbook commits us all to drive positive change with better, long-term relationships and more efficient ways of working. The CLC will give its support to engage the industry to play its part in embedding the Playbook recommendations across our sector”.

Michael Graham, the chairman of Graham Group added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for industry and the Government to come together and change the face of UK construction to deliver sustained value for money and a more stable, productive industry.

“The launch of the Construction Playbook is only the start of the journey and we look forward to playing our role to help deliver these better outcomes.”

BAM Construct UK chief executive James Wimpenny said: “Critically, the UK Government is now saying that it wants the sector to be more profitable.

“Too many companies have failed, and jobs lost, because the risks firms have taken on were too high for the wafer-thin margins made. That has to change and BAM welcomes the Government’s recognition that using longer term and fairer contracting arrangements, so companies in the sector can make a proper return.”

The document also outlines how the Government will strengthen the financial assessment of all the suppliers it works with to make sure projects are delivered on time and to budget.

For full details click here.