Advice and information on whistleblowing and reporting discrimination

When should you become a whistleblower?

Whatever your job/occupation or profession, it’s possible that you may observe acts of:

• Dishonesty,
• Risk-taking
• Dangerous work practice
• Health and Safety
• Fraud
• Criminal Acts

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a doctor or a lawyer, a managing director or a cleaner; if you see wrong-doing in a public or private organisation, you have the protected right to remedy matters by revealing the truth by blowing the whistle or in other words, reporting the situation. Clearly the risk can/may lead to career damage or even dismissal, once you’ve revealed what you know. We offer practical advice and assistance in reporting public interest concerns in a way that helps you to prepare a claim before the Employment Tribunal.

What are the consequences for whistleblowers?

Can I be punished for whistleblowing?

Telling the truth to disgrace the devils in the Company if you know 2 or more people are affected by your complaint.

Your employer will be very upset over your conduct because you have embarrassed them and will make you a target which can/may result in you suffering the following:

• Demotion
• Restrictions to your role#
• Hostility
• Benefits or bonuses being withheld
• Harassment or victimisation
• Pressure to resign
• Unfair dismissal

What Are My Legal Rights

We advise that you complain by way of a written grievance detailing your observation with documentary evidence or complain directly to your manager with a witness.

Where this has happened to you, there are a number of legal remedies available. In the first instance, we can help you to go through internal grievance procedures in order to resolve outstanding issues with your employer.

Failing that, options include negotiating a settlement agreement with your employer, which can lead to a negotiated exit on better financial terms than you might otherwise receive.

This can include an agreement regarding the wording of any reference to future employers, to help ensure that doing the right thing as a whistleblower doesn’t impact your future career prospects.

As a last resort, whether you’ve been unfairly dismissed or been forced to leave due to Constructive Dismissal, we have the experience and the understanding you need to help pursue an Employment Tribunal claim against your employer. If you’ve suffered from detrimental treatment or have been dismissed because you blew the whistle, you must act quickly in seeking advice as you’ve three months less one day from the date of this treatment within which to bring your claim at the Employment Tribunal, subject to the rules on ACAS Early Conciliation.