Most middle managers are ‘unaware of Bribery Act’

Three out of four middle managers in UK businesses are unaware of the Bribery Act, according to research by the fraud investigation specialists Ernst & Young.

This is in spite of the fact that the Act came into effect in July 2011.

The researchers also found that of the 28% of middle managers who had heard of the Act, only just over half felt they had received adequate training to ensure compliance.

John Smart, a partner at Ernst & Young said: “It is alarming to see that the overwhelming majority of those at managerial level are still unaware of it, given that it is applicable to allUKbusinesses.

“The lack of reported cases may have lulled organisations into a false sense of security. Either they are underestimating bribery risk, do not feel sufficiently educated to give their staff adequate guidance, or they are failing to see the urgency in ensuring that their organisations are Bribery Act compliant.”

“The survey results should serve as a stark warning to firms that they should ramp up their compliance procedures to ensure that clear anti-bribery policies are in place.” 

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