Corporate killing bill finally reaches Commons
New offence of corporate manslaughter to be created
A draft bill, which will create a new offence of corporate manslaughter in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland and of corporate homicide in Scotland will
be published this week.
The bill has long been demanded following high-profile rail crashes such as
the Hatfield disaster, which saw companies escape punishment because of legal
constraints.
The bill is expected to make companies liable for any deaths due to a general
breach of the duty of care by the firm.
The new manslaughter offence will apply to corporations, including public
bodies, and introduce unlimited fines if it is found that a death followed a
serious failing by senior managers in the organisation of the corporation.
Individual directors will not be personally liable.