Best Whistleblower & Qui Tam Lawyers in Whetstone

About Whistleblower & Qui Tam Law in Whetstone, United Kingdom

Whistleblower & Qui Tam law, also known as Public Interest Disclosures, concerns itself with protecting employees who reveal wrongdoings or illegal activities of their employers. In the UK, these laws fall under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA). Although there isn't a separate Qui Tam provision like in the U.S, the essence remains the same: to shield whistleblowers from retaliatory actions and to encourage transparent practice.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

The need of a lawyer may arise if you're an employee who has discovered illegal activities or serious misconduct within your organization. Professional legal advice can guide you on how to make a protected disclosure, maintaining all legal safeguards offered by PIDA. You may also need a lawyer if you've suffered retaliatory actions post disclosure or if your employer is refusing to accept the misconduct, making legal assistance vital for understanding complex legal frameworks and fight for your rights.

Local Laws Overview

The fundamental law governing Whistleblower & Qui Tam in the UK is the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. The Act provides protection to 'workers' making 'disclosures in the public interest' meaning it applies to employees who reveal misliquated activities in the interest of public good. Protections include preventing the employer from taking any detrimental action against the whistleblower, that extends to dismissal or excluding the person from promotions, transfers or raises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a whistleblower according to UK laws?

A whistleblower is a worker or employee who reveals wrongdoing, such as fraud, malpractice, public risk, breaches of legal obligations within their organization, under the premise of public good.

What constitutes a protected disclosure?

A disclosure becomes 'protected' if the person making it has a reasonable belief that it's substantially true, made in the interest of the public, and it falls under one of the six types of 'relevant failure' described by PIDA.

What types of activities are considered wrongdoings under PIDA?

Wrongdoings or 'relevant failures' include criminal activities, failure to comply with legal obligations, miscarriages of justice, endangering someone's health and safety, environmental damage and concealing evidence of any aforementioned misconduct.

What protection does a whistleblower enjoy under PIDA?

A whistleblower is protected from being fired, discriminated against or victimized at the workplace due to their whistleblowing. If such action occurs, they can sue for compensation.

What is the process to report wrongdoing?

You should generally raise your concern internally first, to your manager or employer, following your organization's whistleblowing policy if one exists. If the concern is not addressed or if you believe the wrongdoing to be exceptionally serious, you can make a disclosure to a prescribed person or body.

Additional Resources

For further advice and support, organizations like Public Concern at Work (PCaW) and WhistleblowersUK provide valuable resources and advice. Additionally, the UK government’s website provides useful information regarding whistleblowing.

Next Steps

If you are seeking legal assistance, consider consulting an experienced employment lawyer who specialises in Whistleblowing & Qui Tam. They can guide you through the whistleblowing process, ensure you meet the criteria for a protected disclosure, and defend your rights if any retaliatory action is taken against you.