We’ll end abuse of deals to gag victims, say MPs

ABUSE of non-disclosure agreements to hide sexual harassment will be tackled by the Government – but ministers last night failed to set out a timetable for the plan.

Officials said a promised consultation on the use of such orders would be launched ‘in due course’.

Women and equalities minister Penny Mordaunt said: ‘Sexual harassment at work is illegal, yet this disgusting behaviour is something that many women still experience.

‘It is unacceptable that non-disclosure orders have been used to hide workplace harassment or intimidate victims into silence and we will take the necessary steps to stop this.’

Officials added that the Government’s consultation would cover ‘how to ensure workers understand their rights’.

In the wake of the Philip Green case, a string of MPs have called for changes By Steve Doughty and Mario Ledwith to ensure that gagging orders – or NDAs – cannot be used to silence allegations of abuse.

Maria Miller, chairman of the Commons women and equalities committee, said: ‘We should not allow rich individuals to silence employees who have been victims of behaviour that breaks the law.

‘Employers need to hear a strong message that this has to change. A good way to start may be to allow NDAs currently in force to be set aside if they were not entered into willingly or not in the public interest.’

She was backed by Lord Hain, who said: ‘The Government must reform the law. It is entirely wrong to use NDAs to conceal abuse.’ Ministers initially promised last year to launch a consultation on NDAs.