May calls on ministers to speed up review of NDAS

THERESA MAY has urged ministers to speed up their review into non-disclosure agreements in the wake of “deeply concerning” allegations about Sir Philip Green.

It comes after MPS called for “action, not just words” from the Government and a complete overhaul of the NDAS.

More than a year ago MPS recommended a crackdown on the use of the agreements in cases of sexual harassment and whistle-blowing.

Disclosures that Sir Philip used payouts, some totalling more than £1million, to silence allegations of sexual harassment, racist abuse and bullying have put pressure on ministers to act.

However, the consultation – led by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – is yet to begin. Mrs May’s spokesman said: “The Prime Minister wants to see that work brought forward as soon as possible.”

Asked what Mrs May’s reaction was to the latest reports about Sir Philip, the spokesman said: “It is deeply concerning and we will be consulting on measures to improve the regulation of NDAS as soon as possible.”

Maria Miller, the Conservative MP and chairman of the women and equalities committee, said: “We need to see action, not just words.”

Following The Daily Telegraph’s revelations, the committee opened a new investigation into the use of gagging clauses in discrimination cases.

Peter Kyle, the Labour MP, said: “I can’t imagine there are other Philip Greens out there quaking in their boots at this particular government review.”