19/01/2026
A recent legal ruling has changed how unfair dismissal and whistleblowing claims can work — and it’s important for employers to understand the impact.
In simple terms, employees who are dismissed after making a protected disclosure (often called whistleblowing) may now be able to bring claims not only against the company, but also against the individual who carried out the dismissal.
This matters because:
• Personal liability may still apply even if a company becomes insolvent
• Compensation awards may be higher
• Directors, owners, and managers are more exposed than before
This doesn’t mean every dismissal leads to a claim — but it does mean employers must act carefully, fairly, and with clear documentation.
If you employ staff or make redundancy decisions, now is the time to review your procedures and get advice early.