BOSSES who try to silence workers subjected to sexual harassment or discrimination will have confidentiality agreements ripped up under new plans.
Victims will no longer be kept quiet as employers will find that Non-Disclosure Agreements are made null and void.
GettyAngela Rayner will bring in changes that won’t silence victims who suffer workplace harassment[/caption]
The move will mean that witnesses will be able to speak out publicly and support victims without the threat of being sued themselves.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We have heard the calls from victims of harassment and discrimination to end the misuse of NDAs.
“It is time we stamped this practice out – and this government is taking action to make that happen.”
The confidentiality agreements have been used to restrict what signatories can say or who they can tell about such abuse.
The changes are set to be introduced to the employment rights package which is currently going through Parliament.
Ex-Cabinet Minister Louise Haigh MP said: “The Government’s decision to ban NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination is an incredible victory for victims and campaigners.
“Victims of harassment and discrimination have been forced to suffer in silence for too long.
“This legislation is the result of years of tireless campaigning by victims and advocates.
“This victory belongs to them. Organisations like Can’t Buy My Silence, led by the indefatigable Zelda Perkins, have exposed the harm caused by this toxic practice.
She said it “will mean that bad employers can no longer hide behind legal practices that cover up their wrongdoing and prevent victims from getting justice”.
Zelda Perkins, who spearheads the Can’t Buy My Silence campaign, was a former PA to disgraced Harvey Weinstein.
She said: “This is a huge milestone, for years, we’ve heard empty promises from governments whilst victims have continued to be silenced, to see this Government accept the need for nationwide legal change shows that they have listened and understood the abuse of power taking place.
“Above all though, this victory belongs to the people who broke their NDAs, who risked everything to speak the truth when they were told they couldn’t. Without their courage, none of this would be happening.
“This is not over yet and we will continue to focus closely on this to ensure the regulations are watertight and no one can be forced into silence again.
“If what is promised at this stage becomes reality, then the UK will be leading the world in protecting not only workers but the integrity of the law.”
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