Whistleblowers in children's care to get protection when applying for jobs

People applying for roles relating to children’s social care functions in local authorities are to have legal protection to ensure they are not treated unfairly because they have previously made protected disclosures about their organisation, the Government has said.

The Department for Energy, Business and Industrial Strategy said ministers had agreed with Lord Wills that an amendment should be included in the Children and Social Work Bill.

The Government has also announced a review of the whistleblowing code of practice for employers, to be completed by the end of 2017.

Business Minister Margot James said: “Those working with the most vulnerable children in society need to be able to blow the whistle about concerns they have within their organisation and when they make a protected disclosure they should have no fear of being blacklisted and unable to find a new role.

“That is why I am pleased to have been able to work with Lord Wills and take action to extend employment protections for these workers. This will put more emphasis on employers to follow best practice and provides greater protection for their workers.”