In its response to the government’s discussion paper on the UK’s harmful culture of late payment, the BWF said some former members have become insolvent because of the problem.
The BWF is pushing for clear payment terms and monitored performance, with measures needed to punish persistent late payment offenders and reward good practice.
"Unfortunately extended payment terms are incentivised as Tier 1 construction companies make profit from cash management by holding onto their clients’ money for as long as possible before paying their suppliers," said BWF policy executive Matt Mahony.
"After a seemingly moribund last few years, we are now seeing work pick up for many joinery businesses. Less in the way of platitudes and more in terms of action is necessary from both government and contractors to ensure that UK small and medium enterprises don’t lose out and the benefits of construction sector growth are not restricted to big contractors alone."
Several joinery manufacturers have also made their own responses to the government.
