Whistle Blowing For Employers

In a whistleblowing claim, an employee makes a protected disclosure when they believe or strongly suspect a wrong has occurred in relation to at least one of the following:

  • A criminal offence.
  • A breach of a legal duty or obligation.
  • A miscarriage of justice.
  • Health and safety breaches that endanger people.
  • Environmental damage.
  • Evidence showing your employer has tried to conceal one of the above.

While the law does not impose a positive obligation on employers to implement a whistleblowing policy, it is good practice for employers to have one.

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The importance of having a whistleblowing policy

When an employee makes a protected disclosure, they are only eligible to bring a claim for whistleblowing if they suffer detrimental treatment or are dismissed because of speaking out. Having a policy that ensures whistle-blowers are treated fairly and lawfully will significantly reduce the risk of them bringing a whistleblowing claim.

As well as a whistleblowing policy, employers should seek to promote an environment where compliance and internal controls are adhered to. This decreases the likelihood of employees whistleblowing as there is no malpractice to speak out on.

Having an effective policy increases employee confidence that any complaints can be dealt with internally. Employees are less likely to air their complaints externally which can attract unwanted media attention and reputational harm to the business.

What is non-compulsory redundancy?

A claim for constructive dismissal must be made within 3 months less one day from the date of your resignation. The ACAS process must be followed before any claim is submitted.

For example, If you were dismissed on the 2nd of January, you would need to lodge your claim with ACAS before 1st April. We can assist you in filing for ACAS Early conciliation and entering into negotiations with your employer.

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What should a whistleblowing policy include?

The principal objectives of a whistleblowing policy and procedure should be to:

  • The policy must demonstrate that the employer values the employee’s concerns and is dedicated to remedying any wrongdoing.
  • Highlight the standards that employees and the business are held to by the law and regulatory bodies.
  • Ensure employees know who to raise concerns to and how to bypass people if their claims are about those people.
  • Clearly set out how the matter will be investigated and what action will be taken if any wrongdoing is found.
  • Have clear disciplinary measures and protective measures to ensure that employees who speak out are not subject to detrimental treatment as a result of whistleblowing.
  • signpost where parties can find further advice and guidance on whistleblowing.

Get in touch with our expert Whistle Blowing For Employers Solicitors today.

0207 100 2525