Victims of sexual harassment silenced by NDAs

A recent report by the Women and Equalities Committee of the House of Commons expressed a concern that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are being used unethically by some employers to silence victims of sexual harassment. The report shows that even though confidentiality agreements cannot prevent an employee from making a protected disclosure (making a disclosure in the public interest) in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, this is usually unclear to the individuals in the agreement they sign.

What is an NDA?

It is normal for employers to ask individuals to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before they start working for them. This can be part of the contract and usually serve to protect any trade secrets that a company would want to keep confidential. NDAs can also be used in settlement agreements to resolve workplace disputes without going to an employment tribunal hearing. This was seen just recently at the Presidents Club charity dinner, where the female hostesses – who were subject to sexual harassment and exploitation - had to sign a five-page NDA.

A non-disclosure agreement, contrary to many employees’ beliefs, does not prevent them from taking legal advice or from going to the police or regulatory authority. It is therefore essential that if you experience sexual harassment at work, you should not let yourself be intimidated to stand up for yourself and your rights. You should get in contact with a professional employment solicitor as soon as possible.

Contact Our Sexual Harassment Lawyers Hertfordshire & London, UK

If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, then contact our specialist employment lawyers today. Here at Lloyd Donnelly, we deal with hundreds of sexual discrimination cases each year and can, therefore, provide first-class and expert legal representation. Do not delay, call one of our solicitors on 01652641145 or contact us via our online enquiry form.