The Commons Public Accounts Committee have stated that whistleblowers are often subjected to bullying and harassment and that the treatment of employees in public services who have raised concerns about wrongdoing has been "shocking".The Government is seeking to ensure that pople feel free to speak up about wrongdoing.
The report calls for whistleblowers to be given legal assistance and counselling and also for efficient sanctions to to be imposed on other employees who victimize whitstleblowers.
The report outlined the role whistleblowers had played in revealing details of the Hillsborough disaster and the Mid Staffordshire NHS trust scandal.The committee said whistleblowing was;"a crucial source of intelligence to help government identify wrongdoing".
However, the report also noted that there was a "startling disconnect" between the encouragement given through policies on whistleblowing and what happens in practice in the workplace, saying that the committee had;"heard of too many cases of appalling treatment of whistleblowers by their colleagues".
The report described whistleblowing in relation to the Hillsborough disaster on 15 April 1989, where 96 Liverpool fans at an FA Cup semi-final lost their lives. However, a report published in 2012 showed that the police and the emergency services had tried to deflect the blame for the disaster and whistleblowing was crucial in uncovering what David Cameron called a “double injustice”.
The report also highlighted the Mid Staffordshire NHS scandal, where whistleblowers at Stafford Hospital had been essential in uncovering "appalling care" standards between 2005 and 2008.
Labour MP Margaret Hodge, said;
"The way you support whistleblowers is hugely important.I think it is really important that there are proper sanctions in place in an organisation so if someone does blow the whistle, they are properly supported and if anyone dares bully or harass them, they are not only reprimanded but punished."
Whether you are an employee, employer or worker requiring help with whistleblowing protections, or any other employment law matter Employment Law Aberdeen can help. To get in touch please call 01224 370 208. You can also complete our online enquiry form.
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