Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 22
Journalists, however, are not the only truth-tellers who need protection.
Recommendation
Journalists, however, are not the only truth-tellers who need protection. They often rely on whistle-blowers inside companies and organisations. These whistle-blowers need protection. The FCDO should therefore push for a Whistleblowing Bill to offer protection to those who speak out against, or uncover, economic crimes and other wrongdoing.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that an effective whistleblowing framework is important and has committed to a review of the whistleblowing framework, and is considering the scope and timing of this review.
Paragraph Reference:
22
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government agrees with the Committee that an effective whistleblowing framework is an important part of the UK’s ability to tackle corruption and all forms of economic crime and illicit finance. These acts are by their nature often covert, and the authorities are often only able to address them where individuals feel able to speak up. HMG’s whistleblowing regime enables workers to seek redress if they are dismissed or suffer detriment because they have made a protected disclosure about wrongdoing. The Employment Rights Act 1996, amended by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), gives legal protection to those who speak up in the public interest. The legislation is intended to build openness and trust in workplaces by ensuring that workers who hold their employers to account are treated fairly. The Government has committed to a review of the whistleblowing framework and is considering the scope and timing of this review.