Protection for Whistleblowers
Aug 22, 2006
Author: Trish Morrill

The law protects employees in this position. Always take legal advice first.
Trish Morrill says:
In a recent case against Abbey National, the court looked at the law in this field – the Public Interest Disclosure Act. The Court of Appeal said that the Act protected ex-employees as well as current employees and the ex-employee concerned could bring a claim under the Act. Employers should consider setting up a system whereby an employee with a concern over another employee such as engaging in bribery, price fixing or breach of health and safety law, for example, has some means of raising the matter internally. This could be with the company secretary or a senior director direct, rather than with their boss who may be implicated in the problem. This can help the company concerned manage the issue appropriately but if the employee chooses to notify the authorities then their legal position is protected by the 1998 Act.
If you have any disputes with employees or may be proposing to sack a member of staff it is wise to seek legal advice first. Call Trish Morrill on 01494 521301 for further information.