Whistleblower Fired After Raising Safety Concerns at VinFast
JLR whistleblower sacked for publishing concerns about VinFast cars đź”—
A Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) employee, Hazar Denli, was dismissed after raising safety concerns about electric cars designed for VinFast, a company under the Tata Group. Denli reported several defects in the vehicle's chassis that posed significant risks, including loss of control during driving. Despite escalating his concerns, VinFast chose to proceed with production, prioritizing schedules over safety. After Denli publicly voiced his worries on Reddit, he was blacklisted and fired, leading to an investigation by US authorities into safety defects in earlier VinFast models. His case highlights issues surrounding whistleblower protections in the UK, prompting calls for stronger safeguards.
What safety concerns did Hazar Denli raise about VinFast cars?
Denli identified defects in the chassis and suspension system that could lead to loss of control, particularly when hitting potholes at speed.
Why was Denli fired from JLR?
He was dismissed after posting concerns about the safety of VinFast cars on Reddit, which led to retaliation from his former employer, Tata Technologies, due to embarrassment over his comments.
What actions are being taken to protect whistleblowers in the UK?
There is growing pressure in Parliament to introduce a bill that would create an Office of the Whistleblower to enhance protections for employees who report safety concerns.