Non-disclosure agreements to silence harassment claims are ‘wrong’, Tory MP Maria Miller says

MP highlights House of Commons use of NDAs and calls for reform

The use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence those who allege harassment at work is "wrong" and "corrosive", Maria Miller has said.

The politician, who chairs the women and equalities select committee, said the law needed to change to stop alleged misconduct being "covered up".

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Ms Miller called for a reform of NDAs "that are routinely used by employers to buy the silence of those who dare to raise complaints", and highlighted that California had banned the use of NDAs in cases of alleged sexual harassment.

"Harassment is sadly still a routine part of women's lives, particularly those under 40," she said. "So it shouldn't be at all surprising that it is prevalent at work, too. But employers need to tackle it, not cover it up."

She added: "The silencing of victims is wrong and is having a corrosive effect in our workplaces."

Ms Miller highlighted the Commons' own use of NDAs, on which it has spent more than £2.4 million over the last five years.

"Perhaps Parliament would be better placed to challenge this abuse of the law if it weren't also caught up in the use of NDAs," she said.

Her comments follow a furore over claims staff of retail tycoon Sir Philip Green signed NDAs in relation to allegations of racial abuse and sexual harassment.

Sir Philip has rejected the allegations made against him and complained he was being used for "target practice".

Press Association