Secrecy only gives rise to rumour, as a visit to our Online Forums will show. We follow the tip-offs submitted to the discussions, and usually find that where there's smoke, there's fire. Often, however, organisations deny the rumours, especially when they concern closures or planned staff lay-offs. Mergers and acquisitions are also usually shrouded in secrecy. However, the truth always comes out, and companies are better off being up-front and truthful. So, there are two key messages here: firstly, if you hear industry rumours, please let us know; and secondly, if the rumours are about your company and they are true, then please do the right thing and confirm them.