Sharp increase in reports to whistleblowers' advice center
The Dutch Whistleblowers Authority (HvK) reported a sharp increase in people reporting suspicions of misconduct at work. The advice center received 679 requests for advice, up from 467 in 2024, and the highest number since its establishment in 2016. Almost all whistleblowers reported experiencing negative consequences at work after coming forward to report misconduct.
Employees with suspicions of workplace misconduct, like fraud, inappropriate behavior, or a prevailing culture of fear, among other things, can contact the HvK for advice on how to address the issue. The HvK assesses whether a suspicion of misconduct meets the requirements of the Whistleblower Protection Act and then decides whether to turn the report into a whistleblower case or advise a different approach.
Of the 697 requests for advice submitted last year, 41 were turned into whistleblower cases. A total of 90 cases were pending last year, 49 of which had been initiated in earlier years. 41 cases were finalized in 2025.
The HvK found that, in practice, reports can often be traced back to the whistleblowers. The HvK, therefore, also conducted research into the consequences of reporting misconduct. Nine out of ten whistleblowers reported that they experienced negative consequences in some form. They were transferred, suspended, or even dismissed, among other things.
Cornelis van der Werf, chairman of HvK, called it a positive development that more people are willing to come forward if they suspect misconduct at work, but it is “sad to see that whistleblowers who dare to expose misconduct ultimately suffer the consequences.”
Acting against a whistleblower is prohibited by law, but the violation of this rule has no consequences. According to HvK, whistleblowers’ situation will not improve as long as this remains the case.
The HvK also pointed out that many employers still don’t have a proper reporting procedure that meets the requirements of the Whistleblower Protection Act, even though this has been mandatory for a decade.
