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How our whistleblowing specialists can help

Whistleblowing is important for preventing malpractice in the workplace. It provides opportunities for organisations to learn from their mistakes and improve their procedures and practices, and is designed to give employees who wish to raise issues a safe space in which to do so.

Whistleblowing in the workplace doesn’t always result in a positive outcome. But, what exactly is whistleblowing, and what does it mean for you as an employee? Read below to find out more.

Call us free today to see how we can help you understand your options on 0808 164 0808, or request a call back if you’d like one of our no-win, no-fee experts to call you.

whistleblowing frequently asked questions

What is whistleblowing? toggle accordion
Employees have a duty to report misconduct or malpractice at work. If the misconduct poses a risk to colleagues or customers, it may be in the public interest to “blow the whistle” and report the harm. Often, this could involve a fraudulent activity, a health and safety breach or criminal behaviour. For employees to be safeguarded by the law, the disclosure made will have to meet certain conditions, such as being in the public interest. Whistleblowing in the workplace can be vital in preventing further damage, improving procedures and helping both public and private organisations learn from mistakes.

What are some examples of whistleblowing in the workplace? toggle accordion
Our employment law experts deal with varying types of whistleblowing cases. Here are two examples of whistleblowing in the workplace:
  • A hospital worker who reports a health and safety breach which is harmful to its staff or patients
  • An accountant or financial officer reporting financial wrongdoing or malpractice, such as money missing from the accounts

Is there a time limit for bringing a whistleblowing claim? toggle accordion
It’s important to note your time limitations with bringing employment claims. You have three months less one day to bring a whistleblowing claim to tribunal, and this will involve contact with ACAS to begin the process with attempts for early conciliation with your employer. This could take up to 6 weeks. It’s important that you act fast, as soon as possible after your first negative treatment.

What are the consequences of whistleblowing at work? toggle accordion
Typical consequences that may arise from you blowing the whistle could include: Your manager making unwanted changes to your role; Your work duties being restricted or reduced;
  • Demotion;
  • Dismissal;
  • Bullying and harassment;
  • Benefits and bonuses being withheld;
  • Hostile treatment;
  • Unfair accusations of poor performance;
  • Pressure to resign.
If you suffer disadvantages as a result of whistleblowing at work, youcan claim compensation for any detriment up to the point of dismissal. If you are dismissed from your employment as a direct result of the whistleblowing, you will be entitled to claim uncapped compensation for loss of earnings. We can help with constructive, unfair and wrongful dismissals.

What should I do if I have witnessed wrongdoing? toggle accordion
Before making a whistleblowing claim, if you believe you have witnessed, or become aware of serious wrongdoing in your workplace, it is natural to assess your options before telling anyone about it. You may be concerned about the following things:
  • Have I fully understood the situation?
  • Is the wrongdoing illegal or in breach of my employer’s legal duties?
  • Will I be sacked if I reveal what I have seen or become aware of?
  • Will it alter my position in the company?
  • Will I be treated differently as a result of whistleblowing?
All of the above thoughts and feelings are completely normal. We would recommend you raise the issue early on, so that you don’t run out of time. Every employee is different, and while some may want tough action, others might prefer to adopt a peace-making approach. It is also worth noting that depending on the industry you work in, the route you should take to blow the whistle may be different. It’s crucial that you get this right.

How we can help with whistleblowing claims

  • Working with you to understand what’s happened
  • Determining the best plan of action with your employer
  • Helping you through the stages of your claim

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Funding your employment claim

A dispute with your employer can be stressful, and the last thing you want to be worried about is how to pay for the legal help and advice you need. We will help you get the best possible outcome in the most cost-effective way. Click below to find out more about the funding options available to you.

To learn more about funding your employment claim click here >

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Our whistleblowing experts are here to guide you

Neha Thethi

Head of Employment

Employment

Lucy Needham

Litigation Legal Assistant

Employment

Other Employment Claims claims we can help with

Breach of TUPE → Discrimination at work → Redundancy claims → Settlement agreements →

Get in touch with our no win, no fee whistleblowing solicitors today

If you need to talk to someone sooner you can call us for free on 0808 164 0808

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Disclaimer

In general you have three months less one day from the most recent act of discrimination or breach to take action, meaning you should act fast.

We recommend you speak to one of our lawyers in the first instance. As part of the process, you’ll need to get in touch with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), who will aim to achieve early conciliation with your employer. However, our lawyers can assist in this process where appropriate and we have formally been instructed.

Please be aware that the ACAS process can take up to around a month to complete, which will be taken from the three months you have to begin with. It’s important to act quickly in order to bring a tribunal claim. If the conciliation procedure is unsuccessful, we may be able to support you with the tribunal. If you feel you have a potential employment claim please act quickly and contact us today.

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