Protected Disclosure Whistleblowing
Whether you are considering blowing the whistle or have already made a protected disclosure and are facing difficulties, we are here to provide you with the legal support and representation you need to protect your rights and seek a fair resolution.
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Call: +44 1904 217184
Email: enquiries@pw-la.co.uk
What is Whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing arises where you bring information about a wrongdoing to the attention of your employer or a relevant organization. This is commonly referred to as ‘blowing the whistle’ and it is more formally known as ‘making a disclosure in the public interest’ which is a protected disclosure. The relevant legislation appears in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
Even where there are contractual duties of confidentiality to an employer, there can be no provision within a contract of employment that precludes any employee or worker from making a protected disclosure. Any contractual term that seeks to stop a worker from making a protected disclosure will be held to be void – and therefore unenforceable.
Protected disclosures can be made by the worker after their employment has ended and even if the employee is disclosing the same information multiple times to someone who is already aware of it.
What is a Protected Disclosure?
To qualify for protection, you must have a “reasonable belief ” that a wrongdoing has occurred, or is likely to occur, and that it is in the public interest. It is not necessary for the wrongdoing to have actually occurred, but that you believe it to be true.
To qualify as a protected disclosure, it also needs to relate to statutory category of “failure”, namely;
-a criminal offence;
-a breach of legal obligation;
-a miscarriage of justice;
-a danger to health and safety of an individual;
-damage to the environment or related to a deliberate attempt to conceal any of these matters;
-that information relating to any of the above has been, or is likely to be deliberately concealed.
The definition of what amounts to disclosure is essentially “any information”, and this can arise from an amalgamation of several communications, even if one or more would not qualify. A disclosure of information can also take place where the information is provided to a person who is already aware of that information. You need to convey facts of events when providing information- allegations are not the same thing.
Personal grievances (for example bullying, harassment, discrimination) are not covered by whistleblowing law, unless your particular case is in the public interest. This should instead be dealt with in the first instance by lodging a grievance.
The Tribunal uses ‘Vento bands’ to decide how much injury to feelings you should be awarded. There are three bands of compensation for injury to feelings awards. Amounts in excess of £58,700 can be awarded in the ‘most exceptional’ cases.
Vento bands (6 April 2026)
- the lowest band – £1,300 – £12,600 – this will be for the least serious cases, such as where the discriminatory act is a one-off.
- the middle band – £12,600 – £37,700 – serious cases, but ones where an award in the highest band would not be appropriate.
- the highest band – £37,700 – £62,900 – these are the most serious cases, such as where there has been a lengthy campaign of discriminatory harassment which has a profound effect on the victim.
- the most exceptional cases are capable of exceeding £62,900.
Our Fees
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Case & Document Review - £175+VAT |
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Drafting Claim and issuing possession proceedings County Court - Section 21 Notice - £175+VAT |
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Drafting Claim and issuing possession proceedings in County Court - Section 8 Notice -£250+VAT |
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Preparation Review Hearing (including document bundle) & Representation - £350+VAT |
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Court Fee to Issue Proceedings(subject to change) County Court - £415 |
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Advocacy fee in addition if required for final hearing - £400-£950+VAT |
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Warrant of Possession (drafting plus Court fee (£152-subject to change) |
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Transferring up proceedings to High Court for writ of possession and control (Optional for Judgments over £600, must be used for judgment over £25000) Writ of Possession(includes High Court Enforcement agency instruction) - £250+VAT |
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Why Choose PW-LA?
WHY SHOULD YOU INSTRUCT PW-LA REPRESENT YOU?
EXPERT alternative dispute resolution
With specialist expertise in dispute resolution, PW-LA delivers comprehensive litigation and advocacy services focussing on tailored fixed fees to meet clients’ specific budgets and desired outcomes.
CLient centred approach
Clients are priority receiving equal attention to your unique experiences, perspectives and circumstances; listening to your concerns with empathy and understanding, and acting in your best interests is the service you can expect. Taking care to ensure your budget aligns with your expectations and achieving that best desired outcome. You will receive clear, practical advice and representation, guiding you through the legal process with transparency, at all times mindful of legal costs to pursue or defend a case.
embracing advanced technology
PW-LA embraces the latest technology and tailored specialist legal AI software, passing on the benefits of reduced preparation times, and adding savings on costs. Providing you with convenient and efficient litigation and advocacy services. From virtual consultations to flexible communication options, including WhatsApp and Zoom, we ensure that you can access our services anytime, anywhere.
Get in touch today
Get in touch with PW-LA today for an initial free, no obligation consultation.
Our registered office is at Tower House Business Centre, Fishergate, York, YO10 4UA, United Kingdom.
