Over 100 layoffs: Significant increase in whistleblowers at Maersk
A.P. Moller-Maersk is experiencing a significant rise in activity within its whistleblower system. In many cases, the reports have led to terminations.
This is according to an overview compiled by consulting firm PwC of all companies in Denmark's C25 index for Berlingske.
Last year, the group received a total of 1,387 reports through its whistleblower channel – the highest number ever and a huge increase from 634 in 2021.
More than 100 employees were fired in 2024 as a result of the reports, according to figures from Maersk's 2024 annual report, as reported by Berlingske.
Maersk processed 1,170 of the complaints, and 10% of the cases that were reviewed resulted in a dismissal.
Maersk has over 100,000 employees globally at the group level and is Denmark's largest company by revenue.
Fundamentally positive
The whistleblowers mostly pointed to HR-related issues (37%) and suspicions of fraud (26%). Maersk views the increase in cases as a sign that the system is working.
- Fundamentally, we see it as positive that the whistleblower channel is used by both employees and external parties (...) Ongoing reporting is an important tool for us to identify and address various issues and strengthen integrity and accountability within the company, Maersk stated in a response to Berlingske.
The numbers place Maersk among the companies in the C25 index that receive the most whistleblower reports relative to their number of employees.
Maersk's whistleblower system is called Speak Up and is open to both internal and external stakeholders. According to PwC, which assists in analyzing the figures across Danish listed companies, it is particularly companies with global operations and many employees that see an increase.
Maersk has previously been in the spotlight following cases of sexual harassment on its ships and has since declared that it will make a greater effort to combat inappropriate behavior on board.
