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11 October 2024 / Will Burrows
Issue: 8089 / Categories: Opinion , Employment , Disclosure , Regulatory
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Whistleblowing: need for change

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Will Burrows on why better protection is needed for those who report wrongdoing

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and its incorporation into the Employment Rights Act 1996 provides important protections for whistleblowers against detriment or dismissal. If the disclosure is in the public interest and meets the requirements, the employee is protected by law, and is able to claim unlimited compensation in an employment tribunal if they are dismissed.

The major challenges whistleblowing clients face usually come only after they have tried to do the right thing by raising serious concerns to their employer. Whistleblowers often have a regulatory duty to raise concerns but then find themselves subjected to retaliation for doing so. They often end up losing their career, and then the only path to justice is via the employment tribunal system.

Pressure on the system means large cases may take up to three years to conclude. During this time, the client may be unable to earn an income. Some end up losing their homes, having to move

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
A deputy costs judge correctly exercised his discretion to allow late service rather than strike out the point of dispute, the Court of Appeal has held
Prince Harry, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and five others have lost their case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, in Various Claimants v Associated Newspapers [2026] EWHC 1637 (KB)
Public confidence in the justice system is being undermined by a lack of accessible, useable data, magistrates have warned
The Sentencing Council has launched draft guidelines for facilitation and endangering another person during a sea crossing to the UK
Government proposals to make independent written legal advice a prerequisite for workplace non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) may prove unworkable, according to a senior employment lawyer
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