Can I report wrongdoing at work as a whistleblower?
Yes: a whistleblower can report a breach of law and is protected from retaliation. Since 25 September 2024 the Whistleblower Protection Act applies. A whistleblower can be not only an employee but also a contractor, subcontractor, intern or B2B collaborator — a person who reports a breach of law obtained in a work-related context. You can report it three ways: internally (to the employer), externally (to the Ombudsman or the proper authority) or by public disclosure. Employers with at least 50 staff must implement an internal reporting procedure, ensure confidentiality (or anonymity) and protect the whistleblower from retaliation — dismissal, worsened terms, mobbing. The report must be made in good faith.
📋 The rules
- The Whistleblower Protection Act applies since 25 September 2024
- A whistleblower: employee, contractor, subcontractor, collaborator
- Reporting routes: internal, external, public disclosure
- Employers with 50+ staff: a mandatory reporting procedure
- Protection from retaliation and confidentiality
🔓 Exceptions
- A bad-faith or knowingly false report: no protection, with liability
- Some secrets (e.g. defence, confession): outside the scope of reporting
- Employers under 50 staff: no procedure duty (but external reporting available)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A whistleblower reporting a breach in good faith is protected — against retaliation (dismissal, pay cuts, mobbing) they can pursue compensation or redress, and adverse decisions are ineffective. An employer who doesn't implement the required procedure or uses retaliation risks liability, including criminal. On the other hand, a knowingly false report doesn't enjoy protection and can entail the reporter's liability. To use the protection safely: report only reliable information, where possible use the internal procedure first, keep evidence and confirmations of the report, and if internal channels fail — choose the external route (e.g. the Ombudsman) or, in justified cases, public disclosure.
📎 Official sources
- ISAP · Whistleblower Protection Act →
- Ombudsman · External reporting →
- Biznes.gov.pl · Whistleblower protection →
❓ Frequently asked
Who can be a whistleblower?
A natural person who reports a breach of law obtained in a work-related context. A whistleblower can be not only an employee but also a contractor, subcontractor, intern, volunteer or B2B collaborator. Protection applies where the report is made in good faith.
How can I report wrongdoing?
Three ways: internally — via the employer's reporting procedure; externally — to the Ombudsman or the proper public authority; or by public disclosure, in defined situations. Where possible it's worth using the internal channel first, keeping evidence of the report.
What does whistleblower status protect against?
Against the employer's retaliation — including dismissal, pay cuts, being passed over for promotion, mobbing or worsened working conditions. Adverse actions taken because of the report are ineffective, and the whistleblower can pursue compensation or redress.
Which employers must have a reporting procedure?
As a rule employers with at least 50 staff must implement an internal reporting procedure, ensure confidentiality and protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Smaller employers don't have this duty, but external reporting to public authorities remains available to anyone.
Must the report be true?
Yes, protection covers reports made in good faith, where the reporter had reasonable grounds to believe the information was true. A knowingly false report doesn't enjoy protection and can entail the reporter's liability. So only reliable information should be reported.
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