Workers who make a ‘public interest disclosure’ (known as whistleblowing) are protected by law. QualitySolicitors can advise you on your rights, and on bringing a claim if you are treated differently at work after making such a disclosure.

Have I blown the whistle?

Whistle blowing means telling the right person about something that is seriously wrong at work.

You are protected if you have made such a ‘qualifying disclosure’. This is a disclosure which you reasonably believe shows one of the following wrongdoings has or is about to take place:

• A criminal offence
• A failure to comply with a legal obligation
• A miscarriage of justice
• A danger to health and safety
• Damage to the environment
• Deliberate concealment of information relating to the above.

Who can I disclosure the information to?

You will only be protected if you make the disclosure in good faith to certain people or groups. In almost all cases you should make the disclosure first to your employer. Except in certain circumstances, you should not go straight to the press.

Can I be dismissed for blowing the whistle?

A dismissal for blowing the whistle is likely to be automatically unfair. You could then bring a claim for unfair dismissal.

I have been treated unfairly since I made a disclosure - what can I do?

f you have suffered a detriment because you made a disclosure, you may have a claim for compensation in the Employment Tribunal.

When should I complain?

The time limit for bringing a claim in the Employment Tribunal is 3 months minus one day from the date dismissal or detriment.