What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is a term that often gets used without either employers or employees really understanding what is needed to qualify for protection. It is a complex legal area with potentially serious consequences.

In employment law, Whistleblowing is when you inform your employer of a concern that fits one of the following categories:

1. A criminal offence
2. Miscarriage of justice
3. Breach of any legal obligation
4. Danger to the health and safety of an individual
5. Damage to the environment
6. The deliberate concealing of information about any of the above

To be protected under the relevant piece of law, as a ‘whistleblower’, you have to be an employee or worker (not self-employed or a volunteer).

To qualify for protection, what you disclose must be facts that you have a reasonable belief are true – it must be more than just a rumour! You must also reasonably believe that the disclosure is in the public interest (i.e. it must affect more than just you).

Do also watch our video clip on Whistleblowing: https://tinyurl.com/ybntr4tk