Government launches consultation to stop NDAs silencing victims of workplace abuse

The Government has launched a consultation on new rules to stop employers using NDAs to cover up workplace harassment and discrimination. 

The proposals form part of the Employment Rights Act and are expected to benefit over 18 million workers across the UK.

Research from the Young Women’s Trust found one in four young women would be reluctant to report sexual harassment at work for fear of losing their job.

Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said: “We are committed to ending a culture of silence and impunity and stand with all survivors of harassment and abuse in the workplace. 

“These changes will ensure no one has to suffer in silence and give workers confidence that inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with.”

The consultation asks for views on what conditions an NDA must meet to be valid and who workers should be able to speak to about their experiences, regardless of what they have signed. 

There are also plans to extend protections in future to agency workers and the self-employed.

The changes would also mean that witnesses cannot be pressured into agreements that stop them from calling out abuse or supporting victims.