The UK Government has introduced a significant amendment to the Employment Rights Bill, aiming to prevent businesses from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of harassment or discrimination. The amendment, which is currently under discussion in the House of Lords, would render NDAs void in these circumstances, allowing affected employees to speak out freely.
This measure forms part of Labour’s broader strategy to strengthen workers’ rights and follows growing pressure from campaigners, as well as calls from within the political sphere for change. The shift addresses the widespread misuse of NDAs, which have been used to silence victims in high-profile cases such as that of disgraced former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
The amendment has garnered significant support, with many noting that it provides victims with the opportunity to seek justice without fear of legal repercussions. Labour ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have stressed the importance of this change in giving workers the confidence to report misconduct and create safer work environments.
The House of Lords is set to debate these changes on July 14, after which MPs will need to give their approval before it can become law. The move signals a significant step forward in the fight to ensure more transparency and accountability in workplaces across the UK.
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