Whistleblowing
Employees who disclose information about alleged wrong doing in the work place are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 which prevents an employee from being dismissed or victimised by their employer for making a disclosure that is protected under the act. The law in these so called 'whistleblowing' cases is highly complex.
To be protected under the act the employee must make a disclosure with the belief that there has been or will be either a criminal offence committed, a failure to comply with a legal obligation, a miscarriage of justice, that the safety or health of another individual is being compromised or there is a danger to the environment.
If an employee is dismissed for making a disclosure they can claim for unfair dismissal. A years service is not required and if successful in the claim it will be classed as an automatic unfair dismissal. The claim will need to be submitted within three months from the date of dismissal.
If you are thinking about bringing your concerns about a public interest matter to your employer's attention, or you feel that after raising a concern you are being treated unfairly, we recommend that you speak to our specialist legal team.
T 01754 897150