Higher compensation likely for whistleblowers

ssacked for raising concerns in good faith about malpractice and fraud at work will qualify for unlimited cash compensation, ministers are expected to announce.

Under employment rights legislation before parliament, the ceiling on tribunal payments for unfair dismissal has been raised from Pounds 12,000 to Pounds 50,000. But it is understood that ministers have decided to exempt whistleblowers. Those who speak out in good faith could receive unlimited payouts.

The unlimited compensation provision could be introduced by parliamentary regulation, and is due to be discussed as part of the Employment Relations Bill.