WHISTLEBLOWING LAW - PROTECTION FOR WHISTLE BLOWERS
Our panel solicitors are specialists in employment law and offer representation to all individuals involved in employment disputes anywhere in the UK. They are well-versed in matters related to employment whistleblowing. Cases are dealt with using the no win no fee scheme and if your solicitor does not win your case, you pay nothing. Simply put, your whistle blowing law solicitor doesn’t get paid unless you do.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 332 0018
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 was created in order to defend the rights of employees who publicly expose wrongdoing in their place of employment. This is known as “The Whistle Blowers' Act.” This Act provides a safety net to employees who may witness or have knowledge of illegal workplace behaviour. It allows them to expose wrongdoing without fear of repercussion.
Employees are protected in two major ways. First, individuals have protection against any type of adverse treatment in the workplace after exposing unfavourable behaviours and actions. Second, it is illegal for an employer to dismiss an individual solely on the basis of whistleblowing. Employees who have “blown the whistle” on their employers or on other individuals in their organisation do not have to leave their jobs to make claims of “detrimental treatment.” In addition to traditional employees, the Act also covers agency workers, individuals in training with the employer and self-employed individuals.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 332 0018
In order to be protected, The Public Interested Disclosure Act 1998 requires that the information provided by the employer be a "qualifying disclosure." A qualifying disclosure is one that relates to one or more of the following :-
- criminal activities
- environmental destruction
- health and safety infractions
- failure to comply with a legal duty
- miscarriages of justice
- attempting to cover-up or conceal information related to any of the actions listed above
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 332 0018
If either element of the Act is violated by an employer, an individual may bring a claim before the Employment Tribunal. Any termination by an employer on the basis of whistleblowing will result in automatic classification as unfair dismissal; there is no length of employment requirement to file a claim, and there is no maximum amount of possible compensation awarded.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 332 0018
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 requires that specific criteria be established for an employee to enjoy protection. The employee must first voice their grievances with their employer or some other appropriate authority. The disclosure must be in “good faith,” meaning it must be made with a reasonable belief that the offending actions or events truly happened. The individual cannot make the disclosure for personal gain. If the accusations are made public, known as “external disclosures,” stricter guidelines are enforced, unless the disclosed wrongdoing is extremely serious in nature.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 332 0018
It is very important if you are planning to expose wrongful behavior in your workplace that you speak to a solicitor experienced in whistleblowing law. You don’t want to be excluded from bringing a claim for unfair dismissal because you did not follow correct procedure, and a knowledgeable solicitor will advise you every step of the way to ensure your best chance at receiving compensation. Call our helpline or email our offices today for a no charge legal consultation with an expert in whistle blowing law; you are under no obligation to retain our services or proceed with your claim.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 332 0018