What does the law say about whistleblowing?

Chris Cook writes for People Management about the news that HS2 is considering taking legal action against workers for leaking confidential information, throwing the spotlight on legislation in this area. So, what does the law say about whistleblowing?

Employers need to be mindful about the action they take against whistleblowers, as there is no upper limit on the amount of compensation that can be awarded in unfair dismissal or detriment claims under whistleblowing legislation, and such claims can occasionally be of very high value. Significant adverse publicity could also result from such claims should they arise.

HS2 cases puts spotlight on what the law says about whistleblowing

The new high-speed railway from London to the West Midlands, Manchester and Leeds, known as High Speed 2 (HS2), has been widely discussed since it was originally proposed by the Labour government in 2009.

In August 2019, the government launched a review of the project and is currently considering whether it should continue and, if so, how. Although the project would create thousands of jobs, HS2 has received significant opposition from residents and MPs as the route passes through their constituencies, and from environmental organisations because of worries about increased carbon emissions. It has also received opposition from its own workers, including concerns raised by a former executive.

HS2 Ltd, the organisation responsible for the project, has now issued a ‘letter before action’ to workers who raised concerns, stating that it intends to take legal action against them for disclosing confidential information. HS2 says this action was not linked to the review by the government but instead related to confidential information that workers obtained during their employment, which they are prohibited to use, remove or disclose because of the provisions of their contracts of employment.

Confidential information & whistleblowing

Workers who obtain confidential information during their employment are generally prohibited from using or disclosing that information following the termination of their employment. However, the Employment Rights Act 1996 renders contractual terms such as this void if the terms seek to preclude staff from making a protected disclosure. Where disclosure of confidential information amounts to a protected disclosure, there can be no breach of any express or implied contractual duties.

However, the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and Employment Rights Act provide protection for workers who report malpractice by their employers or third parties. A person who makes a ‘protected disclosure’ (one made in the public interest that relates to a criminal offence, breach of legal obligation, miscarriage of justice, danger to individuals’ health and safety, damage to the environment or evidence of deliberately covering up information) is protected from being victimised or dismissed if this is done as a result of them raising their concerns. Contractual terms are rendered void if they seek to preclude staff from making a protected disclosure – where disclosure of confidential information amounts to a protected disclosure, there can be no breach of any express or implied contractual duties.

What are the implications for employers? Read Chris Cook’s full article about HS2 and whistleblowing in People Management.

CONTACT CHRIS

If you would like more information or advice relating to this article or an Employment law matter, please do not hesitate to contact Chris Cook on 01727 798098.

© SA LAW 2023

Every care is taken in the preparation of our articles. However, no responsibility can be accepted to any person who acts on the basis of information contained in them alone. You are recommended to obtain specific advice in respect of individual cases.

Read the latest Employment Views & Insights
They seek to understand their clients and advise accordingly to achieve the outcomes that they require for their business needs.
Chambers and Partners
SA Law Work Life red mug and glasses
SA Law Employment Laptop
Views & Insights
Video Guides on Data Protection and Direct Marketing

Find the new bitesize video guides about data protection and direct marketing launched by the Information Commissioner's Office here.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
This Week’s Fine Imposed on Facebook Data

In a recently written article published in The Legal Diary, Christine Caffrey was asked to comment on the news of Facebook being fined €1.2bn…

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Changes to Working Time Regulations, TUPE and Non-Compete Clauses

Chris Cook and Emily Morrison discuss the significant changes announced by the Government on Working Time Regulations, TUPE and Non-Compete Clauses.

Read More
Phone Box with Man in a Bowler Hat
As there is so much expertise on offer from SA Law they can provide a legal expert on all areas so that it can be handled under one roof.
Legal 500
SA Law Employment Laptop
Views & Insights
Employee Sabbaticals: Business Benefits and Tips on Getting the Policy Right

Gita Patel outlines the business benefits of offering sabbatical leave to employees.

Read More
SA Law Employment Laptop
Views & Insights
Employment Law Update

James Cresswell and Nishma Chudasama discuss the 5 legal updates employers need to know this April.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Can Legal Action be Taken Against Discriminatory Recruitment Criteria?

It has been ruled by several employment tribunals that gender critical beliefs should not be discriminated against in the workplace, and any discriminatory…

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Consultation on Holiday Pay Following Harpur Trust v Brazel

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has concluded its consultation in response to the Harpur Trust v Brazel case, which…

Read More
They are knowledgeable, with a commercial mindset, but also down to earth and friendly so it is easy to be very honest with them.
Chambers and Partners