Whistleblowing Protection
Whistleblowing solicitors in Cheltenham
At Pembridge Solicitors, we advise employees who have raised, or are considering raising, concerns about wrongdoing in the workplace. Based in Cheltenham, our employment solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you understand whether your disclosure is protected and what steps you can take if you are treated unfairly as a result. Whistleblowing situations can be stressful and isolating, particularly where concerns are ignored or met with hostility. Our role is to explain your rights in plain English and guide you through your options with care and confidence.
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing involves reporting certain types of wrongdoing that are in the public interest. This can include criminal activity, breaches of legal obligations, health and safety risks, environmental damage, financial misconduct, or attempts to cover up wrongdoing. To be protected by law, the disclosure must meet specific requirements, including being made in the correct way and to an appropriate person or body.
When whistleblowing protection applies
Protection may apply where you raise concerns internally with your employer or externally with a prescribed body, such as a regulator. The law protects workers from being dismissed or subjected to detriment because they made a protected disclosure. Understanding whether your disclosure qualifies for protection is essential before taking further steps.
Common whistleblowing issues
Whistleblowing issues often arise where employees experience negative treatment after raising concerns, such as being sidelined, disciplined, dismissed, or pressured to resign. In some cases, concerns are ignored or the individual raising them is blamed rather than supported. These situations can escalate quickly and may require legal advice to protect your position.
Understanding the whistleblowing process
The whistleblowing process usually begins with identifying whether the concern relates to a qualifying wrongdoing and deciding how and to whom it should be reported. Keeping clear records of concerns raised and responses received is important. If negative treatment follows, understanding the link between the disclosure and that treatment is key to assessing whether legal protection applies.
How we handle whistleblowing matters
When you instruct Pembridge Solicitors, we begin by reviewing the nature of the concern you raised or plan to raise. We assess whether it is likely to be a protected disclosure and explain the safest way to proceed. Where concerns have already been raised, we review what has happened since and assess whether any treatment you have experienced may be unlawful. We then advise on next steps, which may include raising issues formally, negotiating a resolution, or pursuing a legal claim if appropriate. Throughout, we focus on protecting your position and managing risk carefully.
Outcomes in whistleblowing cases
Outcomes depend on the circumstances and how the matter is handled. This may include stopping unfair treatment, securing compensation, reaching a negotiated exit, or achieving recognition that your concerns were valid. Our role is to help you understand what outcomes are realistic and to pursue a resolution that protects your career and wellbeing.
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0330 900 0377
Clear, confidential advice on whistleblowing. Speak to an experienced solicitor to understand your options and next steps.
Employment contract review FAQs
What qualifies as whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing must relate to specific types of wrongdoing, such as illegal activity, health and safety risks, or regulatory breaches, and must be in the public interest. Personal employment disputes usually do not qualify unless they involve wider wrongdoing.
Am I protected if I raise concerns internally?
In many cases, yes. Raising concerns internally with your employer can be protected, provided the disclosure meets the legal requirements. Advice helps ensure concerns are raised in a way that preserves protection.
What is detriment in whistleblowing cases?
Detriment includes any negative treatment linked to raising concerns, such as being demoted, excluded, disciplined, or dismissed. It does not have to be extreme to be unlawful.
Can I be dismissed for whistleblowing?
Dismissal because of whistleblowing is unlawful. If you believe your dismissal is linked to raising protected concerns, legal advice should be sought urgently as strict time limits apply.
Do I need evidence to be protected?
You do not need to prove wrongdoing occurred, but you must have a reasonable belief that it did. Keeping records of what you raised and why can help support your position.
Are there time limits for whistleblowing claims?
Yes. Strict time limits apply, particularly if a claim may be brought before an Employment Tribunal. Because deadlines can be short, early advice is important.
Where we serve
While our whistleblowing solicitors are based in Cheltenham, we also advise clients from Tewkesbury, Gloucester, and across England and Wales, with support provided in person or remotely where appropriate.
Speak to unfair dismissal solicitors
If you are considering whistleblowing or believe you have been treated unfairly after raising concerns, our solicitors are here to help. We provide clear, practical advice focused on protecting your rights and your future. To speak to one of our employment solicitors, call 0330 900 0377 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation
How to Find Us
Pembridge Solicitors
Calderwood House
Montpellier Parade
Cheltenham
GL50 1UA