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09 July 2025
Issue: 8124 / Categories: Legal News , Non disclosure agreements , Employment , Harassment , Abuse
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NDA ban a double-edged sword

The government is banning employers from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of harassment and abuse

The change will be introduced through an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill.

However, Nikola Southern, partner at Kingsley Napley, warned the ban could have ‘unintended consequences’ by deterring victims from raising complaints and employers from settling claims.

‘Many victims of harassment and discrimination (including of sexual harassment) rely on NDAs to protect their own interests and identity as confidentiality can—and often does—work both ways in settlement agreements,’ Southern said.

‘Victims will have less control over what information about them and their experience makes it into the public domain.’ She said employers might be more inclined to defend the claim to protect their reputation as they may feel the information is likely to come out.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal expands Midlands residential development team

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

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Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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