A consultation on whistleblowing law has today been announced by the Government
Protect’s Joint Chief Executive, Elizabeth Gardiner, welcomed the announcement that the Government will hold a consultation on the whistleblowing law.
whistleblowing
Why the Epstein Scandal Shows the Need for Stronger Whistleblowing Protections
The release of the Epstein papers and the high-profile arrests of a former prince and Peter Mandelson have once again brought questions of power, accountability and transparency into sharp focus. Few can now doubt that stronger mechanisms are needed to hold those in positions of influence to account.
Inside Protect’s Services
Building an effective whistleblowing framework can be complex. We asked Jon, our Client Relationship Director, who has spent 14 years working closely with organisations at Protect (it’s fair to say he knows this space inside out) to share his insights on what organisations can expect when working with Protect, the common challenges they face, and the real impact of getting whistleblowing right.
Wrongdoing ignored and those who speak up victimised at alarming levels
Protect’s 2025 Impact Report highlights troubling workplace trends, including a rise in calls to their free whistleblowing advice line and an increase in reported malpractice and risk. The charity is urging the government to confront these issues directly through legal reform and stronger protections for workers who speak up.
Get ahead of the curve for 2026
Lots to keep and eye on in 2026 for businesses and employers. New rules from the FCA, Provision 29 is introducing more responsibilities for board members, and lots of opportunities to engage with Protect in the new year!
2026 Whistleblowing calendar
Looking ahead to 2026, several major developments will shape whistleblowing law and practice; key whistleblowing cases to watch, The Hillsborough Bill, the regulators project, implementing the Employment Rights Bill and of course, World Whistleblowers Day. Mark your calendars!
The UK’s new anti-corruption strategy: welcome signals, but Insufficient action
The government has finally launched its long-awaited anti-corruption strategy – more than two years in the making. Setting out the UK’s approach to tackling corruption it explicitly acknowledges the serious threat it poses to our national security and political system. Protect attended the launch as a key stakeholder, alongside other organisations working at the forefront of anti-corruption efforts.
Failure to Back Whistleblowers Undermines New Anti-Corruption Strategy
Protect reacts to the Government’s released Anti-Corruption Strategy and the decision to defer action on whistleblowing incentives (pending the Fisher KC review into fraud, which is due at the end of the year) and to consider whistleblowing protection in 2027.
Nicol v World Travel and Tourism Council [2024] EAT 42
Mr Nicol had raised concerns to HR consultants about his CEO’s managerial style . The CEO was informed that concerns had been raised about her but was not told about their substance. Shortly afterwards, Mr Nicol was dismissed. Mr Nicol lost his s.103A dismissal claim because the ET found that the decision-maker—the CEO—had not been aware of the substance of the protected disclosure.
Wicked Vision Ltd v Mr I Rice [2024] EAT 29 and Ms G Treadwell v Barton Turns Development Ltd
These two cases are about the same legal point. The ERA provides for two different causes of action for dismissal (s103A) and detriment (s47B). A s.47B detriment claim cannot be used when the detriment in question amounts to a dismissal as there is a different cause of action for dismissal claims. Only an employee can be dismissed so a worker who loses their job needs to bring a s47B detriment claim. However, since Osipov, employees have been able to bring a s.47B detriment claim for the decision to dismiss taken by a co-worker, in addition to (or instead of) a s.103A dismissal claim.