Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Non-Disclosure Agreements (No. 2)

14 September 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

EmploymentBusiness Compliance

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Maria Miller raised concerns about non-disclosure agreements (no. 2) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Maria Miller argues that non-disclosure agreements are being used to cover up unlawful wrongdoing in workplaces, nullifying legal protections for employees.
  • She suggests that NDAs create an atmosphere of secrecy and hinder the proper functioning of workplace laws.
  • She proposes a Bill to restrict the use of NDAs to ensure employees cannot be silenced regarding allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

Maria Miller argues that non-disclosure agreements are being used to cover up unlawful wrongdoing in workplaces, effectively nullifying legal protections for employees. She suggests that these NDAs create an atmosphere of secrecy and hinder the proper functioning of workplace laws. She proposes a Bill to restrict their use, ensuring employees cannot be silenced regarding allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing. The Bill aims to prevent employers from using NDAs to cover up even criminal allegations and would ensure that NDAs do not interfere with access to justice or employment tribunal systems.

Other contributors (1)
  • Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

    Maria Miller highlights the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in UK workplaces, arguing they are used to cover up discrimination and abuse. She mentions that hundreds or thousands of people each year do not receive proper protection due to NDAs being leveraged by employers. She asserts these NDAs were initially intended for intellectual property but have evolved into tools silencing victims of wrongdoing. Miller supports the campaign 'Can't Buy My Silence' launched by Zelda Perkins, aimed at raising awareness and discussing issues related to NDAs anonymously.

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