Government relaxes Bribery Act?

It is reported that the UK Government has bowed to pressure from business and relaxed some key elements of the Bribery Act.

The Daily Telegraph reports that new guidance on the “adequate procedures” companies will have to adopt to avoid being prosecuted will now make allowances for the use of so-called “facilitation payments”. It will also clarify how the law will view corporate hospitality and will give companies some protection against illegal acts committed by joint-venture partners.

However, it is claimed that the guidance from the Ministry of Justice will take a tough line on acts of bribery performed by “associated persons” which would include contractors or sub-contractors.

The full story can be read at The Telegraph

At BGP we are able to provide guidance on how to comply with the new legislation as well as advising on how to implement the “adequate procedures” once they are published by the government.