Whistleblowing for employees

If you’ve spoken up about wrongdoing at work, or are considering doing so, the law is on your side. If you’ve been dismissed, side-lined, or mistreated because of a disclosure you’ve made, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Owen White Catlin, we support employees who’ve taken a stand, providing calm, strategic advice in what can be a high-stakes, emotionally charged situation.

What counts as whistleblowing?

You’re likely protected under the law if you’ve reported something you reasonably believe shows:

• Criminal activity
• A breach of legal obligations
• Miscarriages of justice
• Risks to health and safety
• Environmental damage
• The deliberate cover-up of any of the above

This is known as a ‘protected disclosure’, and this information must usually be disclosed to your employer or to prescribed third parties.

Your legal protections

You are protected whether you are an employee, worker, or agency staff. If you’re dismissed because of a protected disclosure, this is considered automatically unfair dismissal, and there’s no minimum length of service required to bring a claim. You may also be entitled to significant compensation, without the usual statutory cap.

You’re also protected from being mistreated (or subjected to a detriment) for whistleblowing, whether that’s being demoted, passed over for promotion, or harassed by colleagues or management. In these cases, you can claim compensation for financial loss and injury to feelings.

Talk to our employment solicitors today

Whistleblowing cases are rarely straightforward. The stakes are high, and employers don’t always accept wrongdoing lightly. We’ll help you present your case clearly and persuasively, gathering the right evidence, protecting your position, and pressing for a fair outcome.

We’ve represented whistleblowers in a variety of circumstances and understand the pressures you may be facing. Whether you’re preparing to raise concerns or responding to retaliation, we’ll be by your side at every step.

Contact our employment team for expert, confidential advice. Use our online enquiry form or call one of our local offices today.