Report calls for better whistle-blower protection in the UK
UK whistleblowing law is inadequate and does not meet most international standards, according to a new report published by international NGO Blueprint for Free Speech and the Thomson Reuters Foundation (http://www.trust.org/publications). The report identifies the UK’s protection as scoring only a 37% grading in comparison with other countries.
In particular, it highlights a narrow and complex scope of protection for whistle-blowers, a lack of access to justice for whistle-blowers following the introduction of Employment Tribunal fees and a need for a government agency with special responsibility for whistle-blowing.
David Sorensen, partner in our employment rights team, who regularly represents whistle-blowers, says “the report is quite right to identify the UK’s weaknesses here. Whistle-blowers are key and need proper, straightforward protection. The law on whistle-blowing is far too complex and it’s often tricky for genuine whistle-blowers to gain protection. A lot needs to be done by the government and this report sets out a clear blueprint for them to follow”.
