An MHK has challenged government figures on whistleblowing cases.

According to figures circulated to Tynwald members on Tuesday only five cases of whistleblowing involving government were recorded in 2020/21, and just two the year before.

There were 43 complaints of bullying or harassment at work lodged against government departments in 2020/21, the same number as 2019/20.

Last year saw 117 capability complaints, a drop from 155 in 2019-20. The number of lodged grievances had also dropped from 24 in 2019/20 to 15 in 2020/21.

Policy and Reform Minister Ray Harmer circulated the figures to Tynwald members in advance of a question tabled in Tynwald on Tuesday by Julie Edge (Onchan), who wanted to know the details of instances of grievance, capability, whistleblowing and bullying and harassment. It carried a note saying that whistleblowing may not have been a primary reason in many instances and therefore was a supplementary element to cases recorded under different categories. But at Tuesday’s sitting, Ms Edge said: ’I will give the minister a heads-up.

’The Attorney General’s Chambers does not have any recorded, the Department of Health and Social Care does not have any recorded about whistleblowing.

’These are all public cases that are in employment tribunals so I do wonder if the minister could ensure in the future that we do have accurate data presented.’

She added: ’It also raises concerns as to whether the grievances, capability, bullying and harassment are accurate figures.’

Mr Harmer responded that the information was ’the best that I have to my knowledge’ and he pledged to correct any errors and supply new information.

When pressed about whether the government departments are supplying all information, Mr Harmer admitted: ’The Office of Human Resources compiles the data on HR case work, including the four categories referred in this question, where HR advisers have been involved to provide formal support and guidance to management.

’It is therefore acknowledged that not all cases may be recorded by the OHR as HR advisers would not be aware of all cases. Cases are generally recorded under the primary reason for the case and other reasons may be supplementary.’

Mr Harmer’s predecessor as policy and reform minister Chris Thomas (Douglas Central) expressed disappointment at the confusion.

’If it turns out that this data has been circulated in some sense is inadequate the Public Service Commission will have to review the accuracy of the management information it is getting,’ said Mr Thomas. ’Employment culture has not been good in the public service and it is absolutely paramount that we address the issue pronto after the general election.’

Mr Harmer said he would look into the queries on the data but said he disagreed with Mr Thomas’ implication that ’everything is terrible’.

’I think there has been really positive movement and I think that we have got to use that as an opportunity to actually back those gains,’ said the minister.