Subbies brand Aggregate's payment delays 'devastating'
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rtopher.watton1rbi.co.uk SUBCONTRACTORS for construction and building materials supplier Aggegate Industries will not be paid in December, in a move operators say will have a "devastating effect" on the tipper sector.
A spokesman for Aggregate Industries confirms that December payments were being delayed until January affecting "all contractors" to the company.
"We are aware this is the case and we consider it a private matter between ourselves and our suppliers We are hoping to resume normal payment activity in January."
All subcontractors that contacted CM about the delayed payments wished to remain anony
mous, as they feared putting contracts with the firm at risk.
One Lancashire-based haulier says: "I was expecting payment of [nearly £3,000] on 10 November to cover work done in September, however, I have received nothing.
I have had no contact from the company to explain why this is. I am due [nearly £4.000] on 10 December for work done in October.
"This could be the final nail in the coffin for some already hardpressed hauliers," he insists.
A tipper specialist in Wales confirmed it had received a part-payment in November for work done in September, but has been told it will not be paid in December.
"We would have expected someone to pick up the phone," he says. "It will have a devastating effect on the industry."
There were similar stories from fellow subcontractors across the country: one in the North-East says he was underpaid this month by some £5,000 for work done in September and has subsequently been told he will not receive any further payments until 4 January.
He says the delay will leave him struggling to pay overheads next month: "I have told them I cannot afford not to he paid in December. They told me if I did not like it, I could go somewhere else."
One owner-driver also bemoaned the lack of communication: "We are not getting any answers.We would be glad if someone could tell us what is going on."