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What is a whistleblower?
You’re a whistleblower if you’re a worker and you report certain types of wrongdoing. This will usually be something you’ve seen at work – though not always.
The wrongdoing you disclose must be in the public interest. This means it must affect others, for example the general public.
As a whistleblower you’re protected by law – you should not be treated unfairly or lose your job because you ‘blow the whistle’.
You can raise your concern at any time about an incident that happened in the past, is happening now, or you believe will happen in the near future.
Who is protected by law
an employee, such as a police officer, NHS employee, office worker, factory worker
a trainee, such as a student nurse
an agency worker
Get independent advice if you’re not sure you’re protected, for example from Citizens’ Advice.
A confidentiality clause or ‘gagging clause’ in a settlement agreement is not valid if you’re a whistleblower.
Complaints that count as whistleblowing
You’re protected by law if you report any of the following:
a criminal offence, for example fraud
someone’s health and safety is in danger
risk or actual damage to the environment
a miscarriage of justice
the company is breaking the law, for example does not have the right insurance
you believe someone is covering up wrongdoing
Complaints that do not count as whistleblowing
Personal grievances (for example bullying, harassment, discrimination) are not covered by whistleblowing law, unless your particular case is in the public interest.
