Withholding payments to specialist contractors could threaten the construction industry, according to the Confederation of Associations of Specialist Engineering Contractors (CASEC).

The lobby group will today outline its concerns to Finance Minister Peter Robinson regarding the future growth and development of the Northern Ireland construction sector.

It will outline the plight of specialists who can go unpaid for over a year. CASEC Chairman, Jim Crooks explained that main contractors can withhold payments to sub-contractors based on work to be completed, which is outside the remit and control of the specialist contractor.

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He warned that the current payment system poses a threat to the supply of specialist contractors, therefore posing a threat to the industry as a whole.

Mr Crooks said: "We are looking to the Minister and the new Northern Ireland Executive for their support and leadership in making sure the needs of the specialist contractors who provide much-needed services to the country are heard loud and clear."

The association represents the specialist contractor sector - including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and steelwork contractors - which employs over 10,000 in Northern Ireland.

(VB/JM)