Are you ready for the new Whistleblowing obligations in Latvia?

On the 1^st of May, 2019, the Whistleblower law enters into force in the Republic of Latvia.

What is the purpose of the Whistleblower law?

The purpose of the law is to promote public awareness of violations and to ensure the establishment and operation of alerting mechanisms, as well as to provide adequate legal protection for whistleblowers.

Who is a whistleblower?

A whistleblower is natural person, who provides information on a possible breach of law that may harm the public interest and this information is obtained through the performance of his or her employment duties.

What are the new obligations of the employers?

Public institutions and private legal entities with more than 50 employees must create an internal alert system, providing employees with the opportunity to safely report about breaches of the law and guaranteeing them protection.

Necessity of a whistleblower procedure and a whistleblower protection

Questions about the necessity of whistleblowing procedures are concerned with the moral responsibility of employees for revealing the wrongdoings, to put to an end unethical practices, after witnessing injustices in their businesses or organizations.
The Whistleblower law significantly promotes "value-driven" employees and motivates them to reveal wrongdoings without being criticized for being driven by personal biases. The Whistleblower law grants to employee’s possibility to blow the whistle in order to uphold the public values and interests and as well to remain protected by law.

Responsibility on noncompliance

Responsibility on noncompliance with the requirements of the Whistleblower law will be determined in the Administrative violations code of Latvia. The draft law is in progress.

How can Leinonen assist you to comply with the new requirements?

Leinonen legal advisors would be pleased to ensure your compliance with the requirements by:

• Drafting internal documentation to fulfill obligations of the Whistleblower law. Including Whistleblower policy, reporting templates, guidelines for whistleblower protection and other documents;
• conducting trainings for management and responsible personnel in matters of Whistleblower law;
• maintaining Whistleblower documentation according to changes of legislative enactments.