Has whistleblowing law changed?

Not as a result of the consultation. It opened on 12 October 2026 and closes on 8 January 2027, and the government says a formal response will follow in 2027. Separate from the consultation, sexual harassment was added to the list of wrongdoing that can be disclosed from April 2026, and tribunal time limits for most claims moved to six months for acts on or after 1 October 2026.

Is the government getting rid of the public interest test?

No. The consultation document says the government considers the test an important safeguard and is not proposing to remove it. It is asking whether the test works in practice and whether more guidance on GOV.UK would help.

How long do I have to apply for interim relief?

Seven days immediately following your effective date of termination, under section 128 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. The consultation asks whether this should be extended to 14 days, but nothing has been decided, so the seven-day limit applies now.

Do I need two years' service to bring a whistleblowing claim?

No. Whistleblowing protection applies from your first day in the job, both for detriment and for dismissal where the disclosure was the reason or principal reason.

What is the deadline for a whistleblowing claim?

Where the act complained of, or your dismissal, is on or after 1 October 2026, six months less one day. For earlier dates, three months less one day. You must contact Acas for early conciliation before filing, except that an interim relief application must go in within seven days regardless.

Can I respond to the consultation?

Yes. Anyone can respond, by the online survey or by email, until 11.59pm on Friday 8 January 2027. Details are in the consultation document on GOV.UK.

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The Government Is Reviewing Whistleblowing Law. If You Spoke Up at Work, Here Is What Applies to You Now

The government's whistleblowing consultation runs to 8 January 2027. What it asks, what the law says today, and the deadlines that still …