Fresh Bribery Act delay announced

The government has announced a fresh delay to the implementation of its anti-bribery legislation.

Explaining today’s announcement that the regulations implementing the Bribery Act will be postponed, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "We are working on the guidance to make it practical and comprehensive for business. We will come forward with further details in due course.

"When the guidance is published it will be followed by a three month notice period before implementation of the Act."?

Commenting on today's announcement, PwC forensic services practice partner Andrew Gordon said: "We are concerned that businesses will be distracted by the current debate and the uncertainty it brings. There is no guarantee that the act will be materially changed in its substance.

“Companies which have not begun to review and plan for the requirements of the Bribery Act are at risk of being exposed when the act comes into force. Those that are taking action should carry on doing so."

The announcement of the delay follows increasing concern amongst businesses about the risks to UK firms resulting from the act, passed by the last Labour administration, which has been described as the most far-reaching set of anti-corruption measures to be introduced by any government.