The government has launched a review of the whistleblowing framework to ensure it protects workers who raise concerns effectively.
The Department for Business and Trade will gather evidence on the effectiveness of the current regime, in response to calls to reform the whistleblowing framework – particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when many workers raised concerns about unsafe working practices.
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Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) workers who blow the whistle are protected from detriment or dismissal, and may bring an employment tribunal claim if their rights are infringed.
The review, which seeks views from whistleblowers, charities, employers and regulators, is set to conclude in autumn 2023.
Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Whistleblowing is a vital tool in tackling economic crime and unsafe working conditions, and the UK was one of the first countries in the world to develop a whistleblowing framework.
“This review has been a priority for me since joining government, and it will take stock of whether the whistleblowing framework is operating effectively and protects those who call out wrongdoing in the workplace.”
The main questions to be answered in the whistleblowing framework review include:
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