UK businesses will be barred from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of harassment and discrimination as a part of the government’s bid to boost workers’ rights.
Angela Rayner has proposed an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill which would void and prohibit such agreements against employees in such situations to prevent people from having to “suffer in silence”.
The deputy prime minister said the government had “heard the calls from victims of harassment and discrimination”, as she announced the move following repeated calls from campaigners and Labour politicians.
Zelda Perkins, Weinstein’s former assistant and founder of the campaign group Can’t Buy My Silence UK, said the move was “a huge milestone”.
She said: “For years, we’ve heard empty promises from governments whilst victims have continued to be silenced, to see this Government accept the need for nationwide legal change shows that they have listened and understood the abuse of power taking place.
“Above all though, this victory belongs to people who broke their NDAs, who risked everything to speak the truth when they were told they couldn’t. Without their courage, none of this would be happening.”
And, last month, the Commons Women and Equalities Committee called on the Government to ban NDAs to tackle misogyny in the music industry.
The change comes after several high-profile cases of NDAs being used to silence victims of sexual harassment or bullying.
In the case of former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, victims were forced to breach such agreements to come forward.
Zelda Perkins, Weinstein’s former assistant and founder of the campaign group Can’t Buy My Silence UK, said the move was “a huge milestone”.
She said: “For years, we’ve heard empty promises from governments whilst victims have continued to be silenced, to see this Government accept the need for nationwide legal change shows that they have listened and understood the abuse of power taking place.
“Above all though, this victory belongs to people who broke their NDAs, who risked everything to speak the truth when they were told they couldn’t. Without their courage, none of this would be happening.”
Ms Haigh, who has raised the issue several times in Parliament, said the decision was “an incredible victory for victims and campaigners” after years of “tireless campaigning”.
She said: “This victory belongs to them. Organisations like Can’t Buy My Silence, led by the indefatigable Zelda Perkins, have exposed the harm caused by this toxic practice.
“Today’s announcement will mean that bad employers can no longer hide behind legal practices that cover up their wrongdoing and prevent victims from getting justice.”
Ministers had previously indicated they were considering a ban on NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination, while employment minister Justin Madders also called for a “cultural shift in employers” earlier this year.
Announcing the amendments, Mr Madders said: “The misuse of NDAs to silence victims of harassment or discrimination is an appalling practice that this Government has been determined to end.
“These amendments will give millions of workers confidence that inappropriate behaviour in the workplace will be dealt with, not hidden, allowing them to get on with building a prosperous and successful career.”
Peers will debate the amendments when the Employment Rights Bill returns to the Lords on July 14 and, if passed, will need to be approved by MPs as well.
