This guide is informational. Always verify how the rules apply to your specific case.
You are here: At work → Public employee
The guide belongs to At work. It is related to workplace politics, whistleblowing and whistleblowers against authorities.
Companies, procurement, and “almost public”
If you work in a municipal company, a region-owned group, or with a private provider in education, healthcare, and social services, the protection is often weaker than for those employed directly by the authority. The Act (2017:151) on source protection (meddelarskydd) in certain private activities covers certain publicly funded activities – check if your workplace is included. Look at the employment contract, not the sign at the entrance.
Secondary employment
The Public Employment Act requires that secondary employment must not disrupt trust. A political position of trust is not automatically prohibited, but it often needs to be reported. Request written notice if the employer says no.
What you do now
- Determine if you are employed by the authority, a company, or a private provider.
- Distinguish between confidential information and criticism of operations.
- Choose a channel: internal, external whistleblowing, media, Parliamentary Ombudsman. See Parliamentary Ombudsman complaint.
- Document reprisals as a separate case. When it creaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the boss ask who leaked to the newspaper?
The prohibition on investigation in meddelarskydd is precisely for this purpose. A public sector boss should not pursue the source.
Can I criticize the board's decision on Facebook?
As a citizen, generally yes, within the limits of confidentiality, defamation, and loyalty in your role. The more you appear as the voice of the authority, the more cautious you should be. Read the social media guide.
Is the right to strike the same as in the private sector?
No. Public sector activities have restrictions, especially for certain functions. This is not a strike guide – ask the union about industrial actions.
Sources
Checked: September 14, 2026.
- Public Employment Act (1994:260)
- Act (2017:151) on source protection in certain private activities
- Whistleblower Act (2021:890)
- Ombudsman
For those reading under stress
The guide is intended as support when you already have a lot on your mind. You don't need to read everything at once: start with the section that matches where you are today and return when the next step becomes relevant.
Matters with authorities rarely improve by carrying everything alone. Ask for help from a support person, lawyer, or relative if you can – especially before decisions with long-term effects.
Common mistakes that make the case more difficult
- Relying only on verbal promises without brief written confirmation or follow-up email.
- Waiting to request documents until the conflict is already locked – then it becomes harder to show what was said.
- Writing so long and emotionally that the authority stops responding to the substantive issue.
- Missing deadlines for reconsideration or appeal because the decision was not read verbatim.
Mini-checklist before you leave the guide
- Do I have the date, diary/case number, and name of the person handling it (if you know)?
- Do I know what the next step is: respond, request, remind, appeal, or report?
- Have I saved emails and attachments in a place where I can find them in a week?
