04/06/2026
We’ve recently been told that “standard payment terms” for labour-only subcontractors are 30 days from the end of the month.
So, in real terms, someone could work at the start of the month and potentially wait up to 60 days to be paid for their labour.
For materials, I can understand there are accounts, credit terms and supply chains involved.
But for labour-only subcontractors, we’re not supplying finance. We’re supplying skill, time, tools, fuel, insurance, tickets, experience and turning up on site to keep the job moving.
Most lads and small businesses still have wages, fuel, vans, insurance, tax, tools and household bills to pay every week.
So here’s the question:
Is it fair to expect labour-only subcontractors to wait 30 days from end of month, or should weekly labour be paid weekly or at the most fortnightly?
Interested to hear thoughts from subcontractors, main contractors and site managers.
What do you think is fair?