The importance of a Whistle blowing Policy

11th October 2012

Why it is important to have a Whistleblowing Polic

There has been a lot of information in the press of late regarding “whistleblowing”. Whistleblowing is where an employee reports his employer or one of his follow employees for malpractice.

Malpractice usually includes where the employer/fellow employee has committed a criminal offence; breached any legal obligation or where something has happened causing a potential danger to an individuals health and safety, damage to the environment. It can also deliberately concealing information about any of these matters. An employee must reasonably believe that there is malpractice in the employers business.

The problem for employers is that whistleblowing may not just expose malpractice in their business but it could also provide the whistleblower with an argument for unfair dismissal if the employee is subsequently dismissed. Indeed the whistleblower can bring a case against their employer for unfair dismissal before the usual one year limit.

It is important for business owners to know therefore that not only can whistleblowing cost the business a lot of money it can also damage their reputation.

It is advisable all employers to have in place a whistleblowing policy to ensure employees are aware of the right person to notify where they suspect malpractice and to ensure that any reports are dealt with correctly. The whistleblowing policy should also remind employees of their duty of confidentiality to both the firm and where appropriate its Clients.

If you do require any further information about whistleblowing then please contact Daven Nagen on 01775 722261 or email daven.naghen@maplessolicitors.com or Gemma Mayer on 01775 722261 or email gemma.mayer@maplessolicitors.com

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