Whistleblowing in the UK, Ep. 2: Is it ‘British’ to pay whistleblowers?

In the UK, whistleblowers are encouraged to report wrongdoing, but often at cost to their livelihoods and careers. One solution would be to pay corporate whistleblowers for coming forward. However, many in government have held the idea for years that doing so is not very “British.” But now, longtime opposition to the idea seems to be shifting. Suzi Ring, the FT’s legal correspondent in London, explains how and why. Plus, we speak with Nick Ephgrave, the director of the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, who is taking inspiration from his decades spent with London’s Metropolitan Police Service to try to change the system.

Clips from ITV

If you missed part one of this series, listen to it here.

The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts.

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For further reading:

Should corporate whistleblowers get paid?

Whistleblowers could earn millions as HMRC targets tax fraud

UK SFO director pushes to pay whistleblowers and use covert tactics

Corporate whistleblowing in the UK needs a shake-up

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Behind the Money host Michela Tindera is on X (@mtindera07) and Bluesky (@mtindera.ft.com), or follow her on LinkedIn for updates about the show and more.

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