Home Office: Whistleblowing

• The consultation covers the Employment Rights Act 1996 and seeks input on the SFO's jurisdiction and eligibility criteria for rewards.
• Responses are invited until 11:59pm on 8 January 2027 via online submission or email.

The Home Office launched a consultation to gather views on the current whistleblowing framework under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and potential reforms, including a new Serious Fraud Office (SFO) scheme offering financial rewards to individuals who report economic crimes. The consultation also addresses associated criminal offences and the SFO's jurisdictional scope.

The proposed SFO incentive scheme would allow individuals to be eligible for financial rewards regardless of their location or where the information originated, provided they meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria. The consultation is open for responses until 11:59pm on 8 January 2027, with submissions accepted online or by email.

• Review the Employment Rights Act 1996 whistleblowing provisions as referenced in the Home Office consultation.
• Assess internal reporting procedures against the proposed Serious Fraud Office financial incentives scheme eligibility criteria.
• Prepare to submit feedback to whistleblowingconsultation@businessandtrade.gov.uk before 11:59pm on 8 January 2027.

This consultation signals potential changes to the UK’s whistleblowing and economic crime reporting landscape, which could impact how compliance officers manage internal disclosures and incentivize staff to report wrongdoing. The proposed Serious Fraud Office financial incentives scheme may increase the volume and quality of reports, requiring compliance teams to ensure robust internal controls and clear guidance for employees. Understanding and preparing for these reforms is essential to align with evolving regulatory expectations and mitigate risks associated with economic crime.