Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) often forms part of a settlement between an employer and an employee committing both parties to keep certain information confidential. It may, for example, restrict an employee from disclosing that a payment has been made on their departure, or stop an employer from sharing details of the former employee’s disciplinary record. Also known as confidentiality clauses, in 2018 NDAs hit the headlines when it emerged they had been used to stop former employees sharing details about being sexually harassed or racially abused. Read our latest coverage on NDAs, which are also used in employment contracts, on these pages.
Senior lawyer fined for kissing junior colleague
A top lawyer has been ordered to pay almost £100,000 for professional misconduct after he kissed a junior solicitor in...
Acas issues guidance on use of non-disclosure agreements
Non-disclosure agreements must not be used to stop someone from reporting discrimination or sexual harassment or from blowing the whistle...
HR horrors: How to avoid a Halloween nightmare
As Halloween approaches, it’s time for HR professionals to reflect on the often nightmarish legal situations they face. Clare Gilroy-Scott,...
Government considering making employee references mandatory
The government has said it will consult on the idea that employers should be required to provide, as a minimum,...
Employment law changes: 10 proposals in the pipeline for HR
Amid all the political turmoil in July, employers will be forgiven for missing a flurry of proposed new employment laws...
Steep rise in sexual harassment complaints involving law firms
An apparent sharp rise in the number of sexual harassment complaints involving solicitors has drawn attention to law firms' misuse of gagging orders.
New laws on misuse of NDAs in the workplace
The government has announced legislation to address the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in the workplace – including clauses designed...
Three quarters of whistleblowers ‘retaliated against’ by their employer
Three-quarters of whistleblowers experience retaliation from their employer including bullying, attempts to destroy evidence and dismissal, according to a group...
Prevent use of NDAs for discrimination and harassment cover-ups, say MPs
Non-disclosure agreements should not be used to prevent employees from discussing allegations of discrimination and harassment with other staff, while...
Whistleblowing culture ‘firmly entrenched’ in the UK
Although 35% of UK businesses have no system in place for whistleblowing, a comparison with other economically similar nations in Europe shows that the UK is ahead of the curve.
Putting a stop to the misuse of NDAs
After the government this month outlined plans to outlaw the unethical use of non-disclosures agreements, Michael Hibbs looks at situations...
Unethical use of NDAs to be outlawed
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and confidentiality clauses that attempt to conceal harassment and discrimination could be made unlawful under proposals announced by government.
Government reveals limited use of NDAs within civil service
The government’s chief people officer has told MPs that since 2015 there have been just six instances of non-disclosure agreements...
Penny Mordaunt promises consultation on NDAs
Sir Philip Green allegations prompt minister for women and equalities to look into limiting non-disclosure agreements
Non-disclosure agreements: the role they play in resolving disputes
XpertHR consultant editor Darren Newman argues that any curbing of the abuse of confidentiality clauses needs to be done without...
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