Authors

Andrew Howell

Partner

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James Bryden

James Bryden

Senior Counsel

Read More
Authors

Andrew Howell

Partner

Read More
James Bryden

James Bryden

Senior Counsel

Read More

12 May 2020

Disputes Quick Read – 42 of 68 Insights

Disputes Quick Read: government guidance for contracts impacted by COVID-19

  • QUICK READ

On 7 May 2020, the Cabinet Office published its guidance on responsible contractual behaviour in the performance and enforcement of contracts impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. The guidance identifies "objectives of responsible and fair behaviour" and lists aspects of contractual performance in relation to which responsible and fair behaviour is encouraged.

The overall message is to ensure that contractual and economic activity can be preserved. Fair conduct is encouraged in variety of scenarios ranging from contractual variation to events of default to ADR to enforcement. However, as non-statutory guidance, the document does not affect or override parties' rights under contract or at law.

We think that the sentiment of the guidance is to be welcomed. In the current circumstances, contracting parties faced with performance issues should of course (where possible) attempt to work together to achieve practical and fair outcomes.

But it's right that it should remain guidance only. For one thing, it would it be difficult to legislate in relation to many of the issues covered by the guidance – especially at short notice. Furthermore, given the difficulties of creating a 'one size fits all' approach to contract issues, it is important that parties have available to them their usual rights to respond as they consider appropriate.

It will be interesting to see the extent to which parties invoke the guidance in future disputes.

In this series

Cryptoassets, blockchain and distributed ledger technology

Disputes Quick Read: New obligations on cryptobusinesses to report under the UK sanctions regime

9 August 2022

by Nick Maday

Disputes & investigations

Disputes Quick Read: New gateway for serving Norwich Pharmacal Orders and Bankers Trust orders out of the jurisdiction

Welcome news for those pursuing fraud claims in the English Courts

28 July 2022

by Emma Allen, Samantha Brendish

Disputes & investigations

Disputes Quick Read: UK Supreme Court rules on the territorial extent of the SFO's powers

26 February 2021

by Multiple authors

Disputes & investigations

Disputes Quick Read: Care required when drafting SPA claim notices

23 September 2020

by Multiple authors

Disputes & investigations

Disputes Quick Read: The latest on Unexplained Wealth Orders

7 May 2020

by Multiple authors

Disputes & investigations

Disputes Quick Read: Tomlin Orders – ensuring the confidentiality of settlement terms

27 April 2020

by Multiple authors

Disputes & investigations

Disputes Quick Read: Commercial Court's arbitral power shift

21 February 2020

by Andrew Howell

Disputes & investigations

Disputes quick read: pilot error?

13 February 2020

by Andrew Howell

Disputes & investigations

Disputes Quick Read: Privilege waiver warning

2 July 2020

by Tim Strong, Georgina Jones

Disputes & investigations

Disputes Quick Read: Dealing in crypto? Be careful what you call it

7 April 2022

by Multiple authors

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