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 all UK businesses.
“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 se
rve as a stark warning to firms that they should ramp up their compliance procedures to ensure that clear anti-bribery policies are in place.”
Please contact us if you would like more information about the issues raised in this article.
