Whistleblowing

We all have an obligation to report wrongdoing, risk or malpractice at work. This is why there are laws in place to protect whistle-blowers. By raising concerns, you can be vital in preventing harm and improving processes in both the public and private sectors. By standing up for your colleagues and the general public, you’re doing the right thing.

What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the term used when an employee or worker passes on information concerning wrongdoing within their organisation.

To benefit from whistleblowing protection, a worker or employee must make a “protected disclosure” which means, when making their disclosure, they reasonably believe that:

they are acting in the public interest by blowing the whistle; and
the disclosure tends to show past, present or likely future wrongdoing falling into one or more of the following categories:

• criminal offences;

• failure to comply with an obligation set out in law;

• miscarriages of justice;

• endangering of someone’s health and safety;

• damage to the environment;

• covering up of wrongdoing in the above categories.

How are whistleblowers protected?

There are two separate levels of protection for whistleblowers:

• the dismissal of an employee will be automatically unfair if the reason, or principal reason, for their dismissal is that they have made a protected disclosure; and/or
• employees and workers are protected from being subjected to any detriment on the ground that they have made a protected disclosure.

Let us help

If you have been a victim of unfair treatment due to whistleblowing or need legal advice in relation to a potential claim, we are here to help. Our solicitors will advise you on the prospects of any proposed claim and seek to ensure that you have the best chance of either resolving your dispute, negotiating a favourable settlement or issuing legal proceedings on your behalf.