Definition
1. A “whistleblower” is an individual who brings attention to wrongdoing or illegal activity that is occurring within an organisation, usually by reporting it to the authorities, the media, or another third party.1The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development CIPD), ‘Information on Whistleblowing’, accessed 30 January 2023
Whistleblowing
2. The act of reporting this information is referred to as “whistleblowing.”
Related legislation
3. Whistleblowers are protected by several laws, these include the following:
4. Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 – This act provides legal protection for whistleblowers who report certain types of wrongdoing, including criminal offences, breaches of legal obligations, miscarriages of justice, danger to the health and safety of any individual, damage to the environment, or concealment of information relating to any of these matters. The act also provides protections for whistleblowers against retaliation, such as dismissals, demotions, or other forms of discrimination.
5. Equality Act 2010 – This act provides protections for whistleblowers who report discrimination, harassment, or victimization, including protection against retaliation.
6. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – This act requires employers to take appropriate steps to ensure the health and safety of employees, and whistleblowers who report health and safety violations or dangers are protected under this law.
7. In summary, the concept of “whistleblowing” and “whistleblower” refers to the act of reporting illegal or unethical activities within an organisation, and the UK has laws in place to protect whistleblowers from retaliation. These laws are designed to encourage people to come forward and report wrongdoing, which helps to promote accountability and transparency within organisations and to protect the public interest.
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