Context
There are concerns that NDAs are being used to silence victims of sexual misconduct, abuse, and harassment. The government has legislated against the use of NDAs by higher education providers but not addressed broader business practices.
Question
If she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of trends in the level of use of non-disclosure agreements by businesses in cases relating to sexual assault, harassment and misconduct. Imagine being a victim of workplace bullying or harassment pressured into signing a gagging clause preventing public disclosure of what happened; this practice is perpetuated through the Can't Buy My Silence campaign's upcoming business pledge against NDAs for specific cases.
Answer from Kemi Badenoch
Non-disclosure agreements can be used legitimately by employers to protect commercially sensitive information. The Government understands concerns about their misuse to silence victims of sexual misconduct. We have legislated against higher education providers using NDAs in such cases, and we support preventing harassment in the workplace. I am aware of the hon. Member's private Member's Bill on this issue, which was supported by our government. She has raised specific circumstances where NDAs are inappropriate, so I am happy to discuss with her what can be done to stop this problem.
Not addressed: Meeting request and specific ban commitment not addressed directly
How: Supported The Private Member'S Bill, Happy To Discuss Further
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