NEWS & EVENTS

Businesses in the region have been encouraged to take advantage of a Government consultation on the implementation of the forthcoming Bribery Act. 

The consultation, which is open until 8^th November, gives businesses a chance to comment on the Guidance to the  Bribery Act 2010, which was due to come in to force in October, but has been delayed for six months.

The Act sets our tougher guidelines and introduces a corporate offence of failure to prevent bribery by anyone working on behalf of a business.    The Government are consulting of the Guidance which will help businesses to implement the changes.

Speaking about the Act Paul Tate, a commercial partner at Roythornes Solicitors said:

"Companies should at least have a look at the consultation to get an idea of how the act will be implemented.  Under the proposals, companies and directors that are found guilty are likely to be subject to criminal sanctions which could have a massive impact on businesses."

Paul went on to say that the onus will be very much on companies to show that they have adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery.

"Organisations should be preparing for the implementation of the Act by drafting or updating their policies on Bribery.  They would also be well advised to have a look at the consultation, and raise any issues they see fit.

The risk of an improper inducement occurring in any business is one which cannot be ignored and the Government's intention is to apply a heavy hand to those who have not implemented an appropriate and effective policy"

The consultation can be found on the Ministry of Justice web site at www.justice.gov .uk.