GOVERNMENT plans to protect NHS whistleblowers from discrimination when applying for another job in the health service could have been done “a lot sooner,” general union GMB has said.

Under draft regulations introduced today, NHS employers will not lawfully be able to discriminate against job applicants who have previously blown the whistle on potential patient safety risks.

Any applicants who face discrimination will get legal protection and NHS employers will face tough penalties if applicants' complaints are upheld.