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Department for Business and Trade gov.uk

Whistleblowing guidance for workers

Imported from official source

You are a whistleblower if you report a wrongdoing in the public interest.

To receive protection as a whistleblower you must be a worker (including employees).

  • reasonably believe that the disclosure is ‘in the public interest’.  
  • reasonably believe that the disclosure shows that one or more type of wrongdoing has taken place, is taking place or is likely to take place. For example, a danger to health and safety 
  • make the disclosure through the proper channels. For example, to your employer or to a relevant regulator or organisation, known as a ‘prescribed person’

    • If you meet these conditions, you are protected from being treated unfairly by your employer or work colleague or being dismissed for blowing the whistle. This is known as making a ‘protected disclosure’.

    Whistleblowing law is different in Northern Ireland and this guidance only relates to Great Britain. Read guidance on blowing the whistle in Northern Ireland.

    You can raise your concern at any time about either:

    This guidance is for workers. You can also read guidance for employers.

    If you are an employee or worker, you are protected from being treated unfairly for blowing the whistle. This is known legally as being protected from detriment.  

    Examples of detriment include a reduction in your work hours or being harassed.  

    If you are an employee, you are also protected from being unfairly dismissed.  

    You are protected from the beginning of employment and are protected even if you no longer work there.

    A wide range of workers are protected. The definition of ‘worker’ for whistleblowing purposes is broad and includes:

  • trainees or those undertaking work experience that is not provided by an educational establishment (for example, university, college, school) or as part of a course run by that establishment 
  • self-employed NHS practitioners, such as doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists and pharmacists 

    • You are protected as a contractor if both of the following apply:

    This is an extract. The publication continues at the source.

    Read the original at the source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/whistleblowing-guidance-for-workers

    Officially imported this from Department for Business and Trade’s own source and shows an extract. If you work there, claiming the profile and verifying the domain lets you choose to show the full text here.

    Provenance

    Organization
    Department for Business and Trade — imported from official source
    Official source
    https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-and-trade.atom ATOM
    Imported
    October 01, 2026 09:00
    Versions
    1 recorded
    Identity
    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/whistleblowing-guidance-for-workers#2026-10-01T08:00:04Z

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