UK Bosses To Be Banned From Using NDAs To Hide Workplace Harassment
Bosses in the UK will soon be banned from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to prevent victims of workplace harassment and discrimination from speaking out. The change comes through an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill, which is expected to pass into law later this year. While NDAs can still be used for commercial matters, any future clauses aimed at silencing victims will be legally void.
The move follows years of campaigning, particularly from Zelda Perkins, a former assistant to Harvey Weinstein. Perkins broke her own NDA in 2017 and has since led the Can't Buy My Silence movement. She called the amendment a “huge milestone” and said it proves the government “listened and understood the abuse of power taking place.” Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner added, “This cannot go on,” insisting that “victims and witnesses… should never be silenced.”
The ban is part of a wider overhaul of workers’ rights that includes stronger family entitlements, bereavement leave, and protection against exploitative practices like fire-and-rehire. Employment rights minister Justin Madders said the misuse of NDAs to shut down complaints was “an appalling practice” that left workers without justice and perpetrators without consequences.
Surveys show these gag orders have become alarmingly common. A report by the CIPD revealed 22% of employers used NDAs in sexual harassment cases, often leaving victims too scared or misinformed to speak up. The law change aligns the UK with countries like Ireland and the US, aiming to protect workers across all industries, especially those in low-paid or insecure jobs.
