All Legal Journeys
Employment Law
UK-wide
5 stages
12–24 months
Reviewed 2026-05-22
Whistleblowing claim journey
Protected disclosure detriment or dismissal claim under PIDA 1998 / ERA 1996.
This page covers UK-wide law. Where local procedure differs (e.g. courts or tribunals), this is noted in the relevant section.
Who Uses This Journey
Workers and employees who have made a protected disclosure and suffered detriment or dismissal as a result.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
1
1
Confirm the disclosure was 'protected'
Section 43A-L ERA 1996: information tending to show one of the relevant failures; reasonable belief in public interest; made to authorised person or via internal procedure first.
2
2
Document the detriment or dismissal
Causation is key — show the disclosure was the (or a material) reason for the treatment.
3
3
ACAS Early Conciliation
Mandatory.
Deadline: 3 months less 1 day from detriment or dismissal
4
5
5
Interim relief application (rare)
If dismissed for whistleblowing, can apply for interim relief within 7 days — reinstatement pending hearing.
Deadline: 7 days from dismissal