Jessica O'ConnorWorkplace relations body Acas has welcomed key amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, announced this week by the Department for Business and Trade, which aim to strengthen protections for employees experiencing pregnancy loss and clamp down on the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of harassment and discrimination.
The new measures include formal bereavement leave entitlements for individuals who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks – a significant expansion of existing workplace rights – as well as new restrictions on how NDAs can be used in workplace settings.
Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie voiced support for the changes in a pair of official statements.
On NDAs, Mackenzie said: “We welcome the government’s steps to tackle the misuse of NDAs around discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
“Non-disclosure agreements should not be used to cover up inappropriate behaviour or misconduct. Overuse of NDAs can create a culture of mistrust, and fail to address the discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
“New guidelines should help ensure the correct use of NDAs. We will help employers and workers navigate them through our expert guidance and freely available advice.”
In a separate statement on the introduction of bereavement leave for early pregnancy loss, he added: “Everyone experiences grief differently and every employee’s needs will be different. These changes around bereavement leave can help provide breathing room for people at hugely difficult times in their lives.
“Acas welcomes the new rules, which could help employees feel valued and reduce anxiety, while maintaining good working relationships.”
