New Jersey Law Aims to Protect Workplace Whistleblowers from Retaliation

Employees in Jersey who report wrongdoing in their workplace could soon be safeguarded under proposed new legislation designed to prevent unfair treatment.

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, the Minister for Social Security, has unveiled plans for a Protection of Whistleblowers law that would offer legal protection to individuals who raise concerns about misconduct. The proposed law would make it unlawful for employers to dismiss or discipline workers simply for speaking out.

At present, Jersey does not have specific legislation to protect whistleblowers. However, the States Assembly previously agreed in July 2023 that such protections should be introduced, paving the way for the current proposal.

Feltham described the initiative as a major step forward for employment rights on the island and said input from businesses would play a key role in shaping the final legislation.

She emphasized that employees who expose wrongdoing often face serious personal and professional risks, underlining the importance of providing clear legal safeguards.

Once implemented, the law is expected to encourage workers to report unethical or illegal practices without fear of losing their jobs or facing retaliation.

The proposal is set to be progressed by the States Assembly following the upcoming election in June.