Today’s ESG Updates
- UK Eyes Cash Rewards for Whistleblowers: The Serious Fraud Office has begun work on a US-style scheme that would pay informants a share of the money recovered when their tip leads to enforcement action.
- IMF Cautions Against Complacency as AI, War and Debt Cloud the Outlook: The Fund forecasts global growth of 3.1% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027. It warns that a sharp fall in AI investment could cut global output by 1.1% by 2028, and that a deeper Middle East war would trim growth further.
- French Supermarkets Throw Out Food After Fridge Cyberattack: Hundreds of stores are reportedly affected. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked cyber agency ANSSI to investigate, and the agency has found a flaw in software from a Danish company and is working with European counterparts.
- England’s East Coast Loses 183 Homes to Erosion: Councils have demolished at least 183 homes in 16 years for £1.1m, and no UK insurance product covers the loss.
Whistleblower rewards could come to the UK under new fraud office plan
The UK government has announced that the Serious Fraud Office is developing a scheme to reward whistleblowers who report economic crimes such as fraud and bribery.
The idea draws on the American model, where financial incentives have existed for over a decade. Under the proposal, only informants who provide substantial, new evidence that leads to a conviction or other enforcement action would qualify. Payouts would come from corporate fines and equal a share of the money recovered. The HMRC introduced a comparable scheme last year for major tax cases.
A July review led by Jonathan Fisher recommended the change, saying Britain loses valuable intelligence when informants turn to US agencies that offer money. Supporters say whistleblowers provide a vital intelligence service. Critics warn that rewards may attract personal gain over public interest and weaken internal governance. A public consultation is now open.
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IMF warns AI slump, Middle East war and debt could hurt global growth
The International Monetary Fund has warned that a fall in AI investment, a long Middle East war and high public debt could damage the world economy.
In its latest outlook, released in Bangkok, the Fund forecasts global growth of 3.1% this year, up slightly from July, and 3.4% in 2027. The 2027 figure assumes the Strait of Hormuz reopens by March. A deeper war that holds oil above $130 through early 2027 would trim next year’s growth by half a point. A sharp AI selloff could cut global output by 1.1% by 2028, though that scenario would stop short of a recession.
Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva urged leaders not to take resilience for granted. The Fund also pushed governments to rein in budget gaps and singled out Britain as the only major advanced economy with clear plans. Analyst Josh Lipsky fears only a crisis will spur action elsewhere.
Related Articles
Here is a list of articles selected by our Editorial Board that have gained significant interest from the public:
French supermarkets toss food after cyberattack shuts down fridges
A cyberattack on refrigeration systems has forced French supermarkets to discard food. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s office has confirmed he is personally following the situation and has asked the cyber agency ANSSI to investigate.
Hundreds of stores are reportedly affected. Intermarche and Cooperative U told AFP they were hit, while the latter said the stores must bin spoiled fresh and frozen stock. Cooperative U chief Dominique Schelcher said cold-storage systems at several stores in his network have been hit since Sunday night. EU agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen condemned the attack and mentioned Leclerc, which has yet to confirm any impact.
French press reports blame fridges made by Danish firm Danfoss, while Lecornu’s office said ANSSI found a flaw in software supplied by a Danish company and has contacted it. ANSSI works with European counterparts, as other countries may be affected. Danfoss and EU agency ENISA had not responded to requests for comment.
183 East Coast homes lost to the sea in 16 years
According to Guardian figures, at least 183 homes on England’s east coast have been demolished over 16 years because of coastal erosion and landslides. Councils on the Yorkshire and East Anglian coasts judged the properties too vulnerable to be safely occupied, while demolition costs totaled £1.1m.
The Environment Agency contributed about £482,000 towards 61 of them, and councils, and sometimes owners, met the rest. Of nine councils checked, a Yorkshire council removed the most: 66 homes since 2010. Great Yarmouth removed 64, all in Hemsby, and North Norfolk removed 21. The agency estimates 3,500 properties face erosion risk by 2055.
No UK insurance covers erosion, as insurers treat retreat as a virtual certainty for some homes, a Commons committee report says. UEA’s Sophie Day said sea defenses create an illusion of permanence and England must accept retreat. The agency also offers £36m for adaptation pilots and £10,000 demolition grants.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Andras Stefuca
