Louise Haigh MP is stepping up her campaign to end the widespread misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) by leading a debate in Parliament today. She is calling for a ban on NDAs in cases of harassment, discrimination, and abuse, urging the Government to act now to protect victims.

This debate follows an amendment tabled last month by Louise Haigh to the Employment Rights Bill, which sought to prohibit the use of NDAs in these circumstances. The amendment secured the backing of 66 MPs from across political parties, demonstrating strong cross-party support for urgent reform.

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a legally binding contract designed to prevent individuals or organisations from disclosing sensitive information. While originally intended to protect trade secrets and intellectual property, NDAs are now widely used in civil settlements. Some lawyers estimate they are included in over 90% of such settlements, covering cases involving sexual assault, harassment, racial discrimination, disability and pregnancy discrimination, LGBTQ+ discrimination, bullying, and other workplace misconduct.

During her Westminster Hall Debate today, Haigh will reiterate her demand that the Government take forward her amendment as the Bill progresses through the House of Lords. She will insist that Ministers already have the evidence required to legislate and must act without delay. Haigh will highlight that victims of NDAs are disproportionately low-income workers. A recent survey conducted by the campaign group Can’t Buy My Silence found that 100% of NDAs or confidentiality clauses in the hospitality sector were drafted too broadly, silencing victims and denying them justice.

Speaking today, Louise Haigh said

“Since I spoke in Parliament last month, I have been inundated with messages from victims trapped by NDAs. These stories highlight the devastating impact of this practice, and they make one thing clear: we cannot delay action any longer. The Government must step up and legislate to put an end to this injustice.