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ARTICLE · 06 OCTOBER 2010

Bribery Act 2010

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The Bribery Act 2010 comes into force in April 2011. All UK businesses and overseas businesses carrying on activities in the UK need to be aware of its provisions, which simplify and expand the range of offences for which individuals and organisations can be prosecuted.

United KingdomCorporate/Commercial Law
Emma Sanderson
Emma Sanderson
Ben Simpson
Ben Simpson
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The Bribery Act 2010 comes into force in April 2011. All UK businesses and overseas businesses carrying on activities in the UK need to be aware of its provisions, which simplify and expand the range of offences for which individuals and organisations can be prosecuted.

Why has the Act been introduced and what action do businesses need to take?

The Act reforms the existing bribery laws and provides for a consolidated scheme of criminal offences. It covers bribery both in the UK and abroad, and in both the private and public sectors. The Act also introduces a new 'corporate' offence of failing to prevent bribery.

We recommend that all businesses analyse their current activities to establish whether there are any particular risk areas, and to assess the strength of the measures in place to prevent bribery. It takes only one act of corruption to bring a business and its staff into disrepute and bring exposure to prosecution. Having the right policies and procedures

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