NDAs Sexual Assault, Harassment and Misconduct 2023-05-16

2023-05-16

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Layla Moran Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Context
NDAs are used by businesses, political parties, and schools to silence victims of harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the use of non-disclosure agreements in sexual assault, harassment and misconduct cases. Non-disclosure agreements and gagging clauses are endemic; they prevent victims from accessing vital services and disempower them. In the Victims and Prisoners Bill, there is an opportunity to ban NDAs once and for all.
The Minister has legislated against higher education providers using NDAs in sexual abuse, harassment or misconduct cases. The Government consulted on misuse of NDAs between workers and their employers, planning next steps carefully. He agreed to meet with Members after yesterday's debate and is willing to meet victims but suggests meeting the hon. Lady first.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about meeting victims was partially addressed by offering to meet in the first instance with the Member, without committing to direct victim meetings.
Suggesting A Meeting With The Member Instead Of Directly Addressing The Request To Meet With Victims
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Layla Moran Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Context
NDAs are used by businesses, political parties, and schools to silence victims of harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
I thank the Minister for his response, but non-disclosure agreements and gagging clauses are endemic. They are used almost unthinkingly by businesses, political parties and even schools in cases of harassment, bullying and discrimination. They silence victims, prevent them from accessing vital services, and serve only to disempower. In the Victims and Prisoners Bill, we have a golden opportunity to ban them once and for all, so I thank the Minister for his words in yesterday's debate and his offer of a meeting for Members, but would he consider meeting the victims so that he can hear at first hand the effect that these insidious things have on the victims themselves?
The Minister has legislated against higher education providers using NDAs in sexual abuse, harassment or misconduct cases. The Government consulted on misuse of NDAs between workers and their employers, planning next steps carefully. He agreed to meet with Members after yesterday's debate and is willing to meet victims but suggests meeting the hon. Lady first.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about meeting victims was partially addressed by offering to meet with the Member first without committing to direct victim meetings.
Suggesting A Meeting With The Member Instead Of Directly Addressing The Request To Meet With Victims
Response accuracy