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Whistleblowing: What is it and what rights do I have?

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 by Mark A. Nacol

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Whistleblowing: What is it and what rights do I have?


Whistleblowing
occurs when an employee provides certain types of information, usually
to their employer or Human Resources, which has come to their attention
through work. Whistleblowing happens when a worker raises
a concern about danger or illegality that affects others, such as
members of the public.


You have certain rights if you report any illegality or dangerous conditions in your workplace to your supervisors or employee. A person who makes any disclosure of information has two main rights under current legislation:


1) Not to be subjected to any harassment by their employer on the ground of having made a protected disclosure


2) Not to be terminated by their employer for having made the protected disclosure.


If you are considering whistleblowing, do some research to see if your employer has a whistleblowing policy. If they do, follow the policy and keep a log or record that you are following policy. It
is suggested not to try to investigate the wrongdoing or take any steps
that could be regarded as a breach of your obligations to your employer.


There are time limits for making a disclosure. A claim needs to be brought within three months less a day of the date of the detriment.


Compensation can be assessed for some whistleblower cases if the Government prosecutes the case and wins. If
that situation occurs, the whistleblower is entitled to a maximum of
25% and a minimum of 15% of any funds recovered by the Government as a
result of a verdict or settlement of the case.


You can find more information about Whistleblowing on the EEOC website, http://www.eeoc.gov, or several other websites including www.whistleblower.org, or http://www.powrup.com.
 
Posted at 16:11 PM
Topic: Business Law
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