Whistleblowing
When reporting wrongdoing is protected, who to report to, and how you are protected.
Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026
What counts
You are protected if you disclose information that you reasonably believe shows one of the following, and you reasonably believe the disclosure is in the public interest:
- A criminal offence.
- Someone breaking a legal obligation.
- A miscarriage of justice.
- Danger to someone’s health or safety.
- Damage to the environment.
- Sexual harassment (since 6 April 2026).
- Someone covering up any of these.
Complaints that only affect you, such as a dispute about your own contract, are usually not whistleblowing unless there is a wider public interest. Raise those as a grievance.
Who to tell
Usually your employer first, following any whistleblowing policy. You can also go to a "prescribed person", an official body listed by the government for the type of wrongdoing, such as the Health and Safety Executive.
Your protection
Employees and workers must not be treated badly or dismissed for making a protected disclosure. No length of service is needed.
- Keep a copy of what you reported, to whom and when.
- Log anything that changes afterwards, such as shifts, duties or how people treat you.
Read next
Sources
- GOV.UK: Whistleblowing for employees
- Employment Rights Act 1996, section 43B (disclosures qualifying for protection)
- GOV.UK: Whistleblowing: list of prescribed people and bodies
- SI 2026/323 (sexual harassment as a protected disclosure)
General information, not advice about your situation. ARX Algorithms Ltd is not a law firm and is not regulated by the SRA or the FCA. For advice, contact ACAS (free), Citizens Advice, your trade union or a solicitor.