Despite heightened anti-fraud obligations, whistleblowing appears to be losing prominence among UK business leaders. Research by Law Debenture found that 34% of the 500 surveyed directors regard whistleblowing as a low priority, even as the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) mandates stronger fraud prevention procedures and greater transparency. Government guidance identifies whistleblowing as one of the most effective mechanisms for uncovering corruption and emphasises the importance of board-level accountability. With directors facing potential personal liability for non-compliance, legal experts warn that employers who overlook or mishandle protected disclosures may expose themselves to automatic unfair dismissal claims, reinforcing the need for effective training, governance, and reporting frameworks.
