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Class actions increasingly appealing to public

03 December 2025
Issue: 8142 / Categories: Legal News , Class actions , Collective action , Litigation funding
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Public willingness to take part in class actions is rising, according to annual research by communications consultancy Portland

Its report, ‘Reputation and accountability’, published this week, found a strong appetite for action against misconduct among respondents, who see litigation as a driver for better corporate behaviour. However, they want greater transparency of litigation funding arrangements.

Among 2,000 people polled, 65% would be willing to join a class action, a percentage which has increased steadily in the past three years. Only 27% would be motivated by financial incentives.

However, 68% believe class actions mainly make money for lawyers and funders, and 65% would want to know who was funding their claim.

Simon Pugh, partner at Portland, said the findings showed ‘clear public demand for transparency and accountability in both litigation funding and corporate behaviour’.

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