New rules to increase protection of whistleblowers

Substantial changes to the rules on notification under the Norwegian Working Environment Act have been passed and entered into force on 1 January 2020.

Pursuant to the amendments, employees and agency workers have the right to notify censurable conditions at the company. The new rules clarify that censurable conditions are breaches of law, written or established ethical guidelines and standards which may include, among other things, risks to life and health, corruption and other economic crime, security breaches concerning personal data etc.

In addition to broadening the scope of those entitled to notify, the new rules will also introduce stricter obligations on companies to react to notifications of censurable conditions within reasonable time. Where considered necessary, companies will also be required to establish suitable measures to protect the whistleblower against retaliation. Moreover, should the whistleblower suffer from retaliation, the Act will provide for facilitated access to compensation.

We recommend that companies review their current guidelines and policies to ensure that these are harmonious with the current rules on protection for whistleblowers, and the obligations these entail.

Read more about how IUNO can help your company with all aspects of whistleblower-hotlines here.