Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Non-disclosure Agreements 2024-05-14

2024-05-14

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem
Bath
▸ Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of NDAs on victims reporting such incidents. The Legal Services Board reported that signatories suffer severe impacts due to fear of retribution.
Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the use of non-disclosure agreements in sexual assault, harassment and misconduct cases. Thousands of people are silenced due to NDAs and gagging clauses in alleged sexual violence, bullying and harassment cases. Pregnant Then Screwed reported 435,295 mothers have been gagged by an NDA or confidentiality clause.
Laura Farris
Confidentiality clauses are used in compromise agreements where disputes are resolved without going to court and without admission of liability. The Government has tabled an amendment to make any NDA void if it restricts the right to report acts to police or access medical support. However, confidentiality clauses only apply under the Equality Act 2010 in employment, education, and service provision. They are not used in criminal cases.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about supporting a statutory ban was not directly addressed.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem
Bath
▸ Context
NDAs are used to silence victims reporting alleged sexual violence, bullying, and harassment. The Legal Services Board reported that signatories suffer devastating impacts due to fear of retribution.
Thousands of people are silenced due to non-disclosure agreements and gagging clauses in cases of alleged sexual violence, bullying and harassment. Pregnant Then Screwed has said that an estimated 435,295 mothers have been gagged by an NDA or confidentiality clause. Why does the Government hesitate about supporting a statutory ban on NDAs?
Laura Farris
Confidentiality clauses play a role in compromise agreements without admission of liability. Victims have felt they could not report incidents or access counselling, but the Government has righted this wrong with an amendment making NDA void if it restricts police reporting and medical support access. However, these clauses apply only under the Equality Act 2010 for employment, education, and service provision.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about supporting a statutory ban was not directly addressed.
Under Review
Response accuracy