Louise Haigh MP urges public to help shape new law banning abusive NDAs
Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, is calling on the public to take part in a crucial Government consultation that will determine how new laws banning the misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in cases of workplace harassment and discrimination are implemented.
The call follows a major campaign victory last year, when more than 93,000 people backed her petition to end the use of NDAs to silence victims of abuse at work. Working alongside the campaign group Can’t Buy My Silence, the campaign successfully pushed the Government to act.
The ban, included in the Government’s flagship Employment Rights Act which passed in December last year, will make NDAs unenforceable where they attempt to prevent workers or witnesses from speaking about harassment or discrimination. However, key details about how the law will operate in practice are now subject to consultation.
The Government is seeking views on a number of critical issues, including when confidentiality clauses may still be used in so-called “excepted agreements”, whether time limits should apply to confidentiality, and whether protections should be extended to freelancers, contractors, and self-employed workers.
These decisions will be vital in determining whether the law fully delivers on its promise to protect victims or leaves loopholes that could still be exploited.
Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley said:
“This campaign has already shown what people power can achieve. Together, we’ve changed the law so that abusive NDAs can no longer be used to silence victims of harassment and discrimination at work.
“But this is a critical moment. The detail of how this law is implemented will determine whether it truly protects people or whether gaps remain that bad employers can exploit.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who cares about fairness and safety at work to take part in this consultation. You don’t have to answer every question – every response helps send a clear message that these protections must be as strong as possible.
“This is our chance to make sure the law works in practice and finally closes the door on the misuse of NDAs for good.”
Supporters and members of the public are encouraged to respond to the consultation and help shape the final form of the law. The consultation will run until Wednesday 8th July.