ABSTRACT
Forty or so years ago, the structure of the UK construction industry was very different to the present day, with a majority of general contractors employing a range of tradesmen directly, with generally only specialist works such as mechanical and electrical installations being carried out by sub-contractors. However, many modern main contractors are now simply managing contractors; that is to say, they manage sub-contract works carried out by a range of organisations that are not part of their organisation. The rise of the importance of the sub-contractor can be attributed to the following factors.
