Whistleblowing doubles in UK councils following new worker protections, analysis finds

Whistleblowing reports have gone up by more than 200% in some UK councils after new day one protections for workers came in, analysis from Skillcast found.

The compliance training provider collected whistleblowing data from all city and county councils using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. 

The research looked at the change in reports between 2023 and 2024.

Doncaster Council saw the biggest rise in whistleblowing reports at 250%. 

Warrington was next with a 200% increase. 

Southend, Nottingham and Wigan also saw big rises, each with a 100% increase. 

Leeds recorded a 40% drop, which could mean fewer incidents or staff being less willing to report issues.

Nickie Elenor, employment lawyer and founder of Guardian Law, said: “The Employment Rights Act 2025 provides employees with a new legally recognised route to speak up and crucially, there’s no qualifying period of employment required as employees have a right to complain from day one of employment. 

“If people know that they have protected status when they speak up, it’s likely that more will do so. 

“Employers who’ve historically relied on silence need to update their thinking quickly.”

Elenor added: “As a minimum, employers need a clear policy that’s genuinely communicated, a credible reporting mechanism employees trust, and evidence that action is taken when concerns are raised. 

“That last point is where most employers fall down. A well-drafted policy that nobody has read achieves nothing. 

“Reasonable steps means ongoing effort, not a single token intervention.”

Vivek Dodd, CEO at Skillcast, said: “While it’s encouraging to see an increase in whistleblowing reports – suggesting employees are more willing to call out organisational misconduct and are increasingly aware of reporting channels – there is still significant work to be done.

“The near absence of sexual harassment cases within these reports highlights a worrying gap. 

“Despite a national rise in workplace sexual harassment, many employees may still not feel safe raising the more sensitive concerns through formal channels.”

Dodd added: “With new employment protections coming into force in just weeks, organisations have an opportunity to strengthen trust, confidentiality and follow-up processes so whistleblowing systems genuinely provide a safe space for employees to raise all concerns, from financial misconduct to workplace harassment.”