Free rights guide for UK healthcare workers and employers. Our downloadable guide covers your rights at informal and formal workplace meetings, protected belief, employment tribunals, and how employers should handle organised complaints about staff who speak out on Palestine.
If you are a doctor, nurse, midwife, paramedic or any other healthcare worker and you are facing a complaint, a regulator referral or action from your employer over something you have said, including about Palestine, this page sets out some general points to keep in mind. You do not have to face it alone.
Your right to free expression
In the UK, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (given effect by the Human Rights Act 1998) protects freedom of expression, including political speech. That right can be limited, but any limit has to be lawful, necessary and proportionate. Professional regulators and employers can set standards of conduct, but holding or lawfully expressing a political view is not in itself misconduct.
If you receive a complaint or referral
- Don't panic, and don't reply straight away. Read the letter carefully, note any deadlines, and get advice before you respond to a regulator (such as the GMC, NMC or HCPC) or your employer.
- Contact your medical defence organisation or union early. Defence bodies, the BMA, the RCN, Unison and other unions can advise members and may provide representation.
- Keep records. Save copies of the posts or comments complained about, all correspondence, and dates of any meetings or calls.
- Be careful what you post while a case is open. Think about how new posts could be read, and take advice if you are unsure.
- Ask for a companion or representative at any employer meeting, and ask for things in writing.
If you are being harassed or doxxed online
- Screenshot and save the posts, with links and dates, before they are deleted.
- Report the content to the platform, and tell your employer and defence body if you think a complaint may follow.
- Review your privacy settings and the personal details that are publicly visible.
- If you feel threatened, contact the police.
Talk to us
We are healthcare workers too. Get in touch and we can listen, share what others in similar situations have experienced, and point you towards support. Email hcwsagainstcensorship@gmail.com or use our contact page.
This page is general information only. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice from a solicitor, your defence organisation or your union about your own situation.