United Kingdom: Whistleblowing

The UK's fraud enforcement landscape is undergoing significant transformation as Jonathan Fisher KC's Independent Review proposes sweeping changes including new corporate criminal offences for digital platforms, anti-fraud levies, and whistleblower incentivisation schemes. Meanwhile, the SFO navigates increased operational intensity alongside the costly settlement of the ENRC litigation, while the FCA expands its Consumer Duty enforcement and the newly formed Fair Work Agency establishes its enforcement pri

Central government is proposing a six-month implementation window for public authorities to comply with the Code of Ethical Conduct requirements under the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, commonly known as Hillsborough Law. With Royal Assent expected in late 2026 or early 2027, authorities face significant pressure to review existing codes, secure governance approvals, and embed cultural changes across their organizations. The question is whether this timeline is realistic given the scope of work requir

Employment tribunals are seeing a sharp rise in interim relief applications, with monthly filings now matching what used to be annual totals. These applications can force employers to continue paying dismissed employees' salaries and benefits for months while awaiting a final hearing, creating significant financial exposure even when the employee isn't working.

U.K. employers face significant new obligations regarding sexual harassment prevention, including expanded whistleblowing protections for those reporting harassment and a heightened duty to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent harassment from both employees and third parties. These changes, taking effect between April and October 2026, require comprehensive risk assessments, updated policies, and robust training programs to avoid potential compensation uplifts of up to 25%.

October 2026 will mark a fundamental shift in UK workplace harassment law, significantly raising the stakes for employers and reinforcing a broader move away from reactive complaint handling towards proactive prevention, governance...

Welcome to this month's briefing for HR teams and in-house employment counsel – bringing you this month's employment law highlights in an easy-to-read package.

The Employment Rights Bill has received Royal Assent, becoming the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Greater protection for employees, more complexity for employers, and a need for careful planning over the next two years.

In 2023, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a consultation on proposed new diversity and inclusion requirements in the financial sector and new rules on non-financial misconduct.