Revealed: Whistleblowing reports increase by 200% in some UK councils as employment rights act becomes law

The findings were revealed in the whistleblowing report by compliance training provider Skillcast, which submitted Freedom of Information requests to all UK city and county councils. The requests sought data on whistleblowing reports over the past four calendar years, with analysis focused on the change between 2023 and 2024 - the most recent years with complete data.

The findings come as the Employment Rights Act became law on 18 December, which the government says is designed to strengthen workplace reporting protections. Under the proposals, sexual harassment will become a ‘qualifying disclosure’ under whistleblowing law, giving whistleblowers protection from detriment and unfair dismissal from April 2026.

This comes as recent reports have revealed that sexual harassment helpline calls in the workplace have increased by nearly 40% in the last year. 

Doncaster Council recorded the largest year-on-year increase in whistleblowing reports, rising by 250%. 

Warrington followed closely with a 200% increase, while Southend, Nottingham and Wigan completed the top five, each recording a 100% rise from the data reported. 

At the other end of the scales, Leeds recorded a 40% decrease in whistleblowing reports, which could be due to fewer incidents in the council, or a reluctance to report more serious issues.

Despite rising reports of sexual harassment nationally, the research suggests these incidents are largely not being captured through formal whistleblowing channels, with fewer than five cases relating to sexual harassment.

“While it’s encouraging to see an increase in whistleblowing reports - suggesting employees are more willing to call out organisational misconduct and are increasingly aware of reporting channels - there is still significant work to be done.

“The near absence of sexual harassment cases within these reports highlights a worrying gap. Despite a national rise in workplace sexual harassment, many employees may still not feel safe raising the more sensitive concerns through formal channels. 

“The Employment Rights Act has the potential to help organisations prioritise trust, confidentiality and clear follow-up, ensuring whistleblowing systems provide a genuinely safe space for all issues - from organisational misconduct to sensitive workplace issues such as harassment.'

For the full research, please visit: https://www.skillcast.com/blog/the-silence-report-whistleblowing-and-harassment-across-uk