News: Contract Law

Employment law training 'must highlight whistleblower laws'

12 May 2009

Employment law training must highlight the legal protections provided for whistleblowers, an expert asserts.

Francesca West, senior policy advisor for Public Concern at Work, claims that there are statutory provisions to guard people against victimisation after disclosure.

This highlights the importance of companies understanding the legal situation surrounding the practice, she asserts.

She states: "It's probably much more important for organisations to train their staff in how to handle whistleblowers' concerns."

In addition, the advisor suggests that businesses should train executives and managers in order to deal with any issues that arise, with a clear hierarchy allowing concerns to be passed to senior staff.

Ms West says that the laws governing disclosure act as a backdrop to attempts to promote or enforce good practice.

Employment law training could include information on The Public Disclosure Act 1998, which provides a list of guidelines which workers must follow if they are to be given legal protection from discrimination by their employer.

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