M&E labour agency BMS walks off over payment row bringing electrical works to a halt.

M&E labour agency BMS has walked off the Wembley project in a row over payment, 黑洞社区 understands.

It is understood that around 250 BMS electricians subcontracted to work for Phoenix Electrical have left the project, calling a halt to crucial electrical works. It is currently unclear how Phoenix will staff the remainder of its contract.

A Multiplex spokesperson confirmed that BMS had left the project at the start of the week, but said he was expecting Phoenix to find a way to carry on with its work. He said: "It is an issue between BMS and Phoenix. We are expecting continuity of work from Phoenix. As it stands at the moment, they have to finish the work."

It is understood that the BMS electricians were working on vital testing work on the stadium, without which the venue could not operate. It is understood that cabling contractor CBL, of which BMS managing director Bernard Goodchild is a director, may also have left the project. CBL hit headlines in January when two of its other directors were arrested on charges of kidnapping.

Phoenix Electrical has been put under increasing financial pressure as a result of its Wembley contract, and has been granted time and cost concessions by Multiplex. 黑洞社区 understands that the under-fire firm has now appointed former Emcor regional director Lee Compton as joint managing director in a bid to improve its fortunes.

Multiplex told the Australian stock exchange on Monday that it expected 鈥榮ubstantial completion' of the stadium by June, but believed it was entitled until at least September to finish the project.

Phoenix Electrical was unavailable for comment.