Whistleblowing 

Whistleblower claim solicitors 

At some time in your work life you may need to report wrongdoing this is known as "a whistleblower".  We know how challenging this can be and we can support you and ensure that you are protected. For a confidential discussion:

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When is it right to become a whistleblower? 

Whatever your occupation or profession, it is possible that you will one day uncover dishonesty, malfeasance, risk-taking or malpractice at the place you work. It does not matter whether you are a doctor or a lawyer, a financial director or a secretary; if you see wrongdoing in a public or private organisation - and the chance to make things right by revealing the truth – you have the moral right to become a whistleblower. 

Call us, our expert employment law solicitors are here to help. 

We have the expertise to offer you practical advice and assistance in reporting public interest concerns in a way that helps to avoid difficulties and discourage reprisals. If you believe you must become a whistleblower – or you are already suffering the repercussions of having done so - call us  

Can I be punished for whistleblowing? 

Telling the truth – particularly when it is in the public interest – should always mean that you have the law on your side. However, if you are about to become a whistleblower, it is important to go about it correctly to right the wrongs you have discovered without jeopardising your own career or reputation. If you work in certain fields, such as medicine, financial services or the law, for example, there are accepted channels you should go through. If you're in other fields, we can still advise on the best course of action to take. 

Unfortunately, some employers can react badly to whistleblowers, leading to a variety of detriments, including: 

• Demotion 

• Restrictions to your role 

• Hostility 

• Benefits or bonuses being withheld 

• Harassment or victimisation 

• Pressure to resign 

• Unfair dismissal 

Where this happens, there are several legal remedies available, including negotiating a settlement agreement with your employer, which can lead to a negotiated exit on better financial terms than you might otherwise receive. Or you can pursue an Employment Tribunal claim against your employer. 

The Don’ts of Whistleblowing

When faced with evidence of obvious wrongdoing, whistleblowing becomes more than an option; it becomes, to some extent, a moral imperative. However, as we alluded to above, there is a right way and a wrong way to blow the whistle on a person or organisation. Here are some examples of the wrong way to go about it.

Not documenting your activity

Let’s say you utter your suspicions about a person within the organisation and someone overhears you and reports you to the boss. A week or two later, your boss fires you without warning for what seems like an invalid reason. In a case like that, your ability to obtain redress is limited. On the other hand, if you write down your suspicions and present them to your supervisor through established channels and are subsequently fired, it will be much easier to connect your firing to your whistle-blowing.

Not securing evidence of wrongdoing

Presenting your suspicions of wrongdoing in the correct way is important. But equally important is securing evidence of the alleged wrongdoing, although it's understood that this can raise issues of its own. For instance, you may have access to documents that suggest wrongdoing. On the other hand, those documents may include unrelated confidential information, and going public with it may put you in hot water. This is yet another reason you should seek legal counsel before making any whistleblower claims.

Waiting too long to come forward

If you have reason to think your employer has retaliated against you for making a whistleblower claim, it is vital that you contact an employment solicitor quickly. If you fail to act, the time frame for filing a complaint against your employer may expire. Frederick Solicitors can advise you on the best, most effective course of action when it comes to resolving the situation with your employer or filing a retaliation claim against them.

Contact Frederick Solicitors Today

If you have what you believe is evidence of wrongdoing on the part of one or more individuals within your organisation talk to the employment experts at Frederick Solicitors. Our solicitors can guide you through the appropriate method on how to blow the whistle alongside helping those who are experiencing mistreatment once they reveal the information they know. 

With extensive experience in handling whistleblowing cases, we are here to support you. Speak to us today.

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