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First UK listed company prosecuted under the Bribery Act

By March 23, 2016January 29th, 2021Employment for Business

Sweett Group PLC sentenced and ordered to pay £2.25 million after Bribery Act conviction

The recent conviction of Sweett Group PLC sends a clear message out to businesses that the defence of having “adequate procedures” in place to defend prosecutions under the Bribery Act requires more than just a policy. Employees should be regularly reminded of their obligations, training and education needs to be provided to relevant individuals, disciplinary policies should address the issue as should whistleblowing procedures. There needs to be a clear culture throughout organisations from the top down. Only then is a court likely to be satisfied that adequate procedures have genuinely been put in place. Mere paper compliance will never be sufficient. 

Russell Brown

Author Russell Brown

Russell is a Partner and Head of Glaisyers' Employment Team.

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