Whistleblowing—law firms

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What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the term used when a worker passes on information concerning wrongdoing (ie makes a disclosure), typically (although not necessarily) that they have witnessed at work.

To be covered by whistleblowing law, a worker who makes a disclosure must reasonably believe that they are acting in the public interest and that the disclosure tends to show past, present or likely future wrongdoing falling into one or more of the categories:

  1. •

    criminal offences (eg fraud)

  2. •

    failure to comply with an obligation set out in law

  3. •

    miscarriages of justice

  4. •

    endangering of someone’s health and safety

  5. •

    damage to the environment

  6. •

    covering up wrongdoing in these categories

Whistleblowing legislation is governed by Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA 1996), as amended by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. It provides a framework

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