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Public Interest Disclosure (Protection) Bill

25 September 2020

Proposing MP
Philippa Whitford SNP
Central Ayrshire
Type
Bill Debate

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Philippa Whitford is addressing the Second Reading of the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection) Bill, focusing on the need for better protection and support for whistleblowers. Philippa Whitford discusses the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection) Bill, focusing on protecting whistleblowers and promoting their role in public interest. Philippa Whitford's statement supports the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection) Bill, highlighting the inadequacies of current whistleblower protection legislation. The statement addresses concerns about inadequate protections for whistleblowers in the UK. Philippa Whitford discusses the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection) Bill to improve protection for whistleblowers. The statement discusses the effectiveness of the whistleblowing framework within the NHS and raises questions about extending protections under PIDA to foster carers, volunteers, and public officials.

Action Requested

Whitford proposes to remove whistleblowing from employment law and establish free-standing protection legislation to encourage whistleblowers to come forward and address issues without fear of retaliation or dismissal. She also highlights the current limitations of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which she argues has a high failure rate in tribunal cases.

Key Facts

  • The Public Interest Disclosure (Protection) Bill seeks to create free-standing protection legislation for whistleblowers.
  • Only 3% of whistleblower tribunal cases are successful under the current Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
  • Whistleblowing issues have been highlighted in NHS and social care sectors, including at Bristol Royal Infirmary, Mid Staffs, Morecambe Bay, Liverpool, and Gosport.
  • The Bill defines whistleblowing disclosures and widens the definition of 'relevant authorities'.
  • It includes professionals previously excluded such as religious ministers and police officers.
  • It protects trainees, interns, volunteers, and those not classified as employees.
  • An independent commission with statutory powers is proposed to oversee whistleblowing.
  • The Scottish Independent National Whistleblowing Office was established in 2018.
  • Non-disclosure agreements would be banned under the Bill.
  • Philippa Whitford's Bill aims to improve current whistleblower protection legislation.
  • The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) is deemed insufficient, with less than half of potential whistleblowers following up due to fear of retaliation.
  • Only 3% of employment tribunal cases for whistleblowing are successful, and compensation is often inadequate.
  • Philippa Whitford highlights the importance of protecting workers who report health and safety concerns.
  • The current lack of legal protection leaves whistleblowers vulnerable to bullying and job loss.
  • Sky call centre employees reported unsafe working conditions despite company assurances.
  • The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 is inadequate to protect whistleblowers.
  • Relevant individuals such as trustees, trainees, and volunteers are excluded from current legislation.
  • Whistleblowers do not get legal aid and must pay for all their legal fees personally.
  • 180 trusts improved their freedom to speak up index score over three years.
  • More than 19,000 cases were raised with freedom to speak up guardians between April 2017 and March 2019.
  • 87% of those who raised issues in 2018-19 said they would be prepared to speak up again.
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