Worldwide: Whistleblowing

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%.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 marks a new era for UK employment law, with far reaching implications for HR professionals and businesses.