From the Guardian · · 1m 40s
UK ministers fast-track NDA curbs after Walliams case
Government considers expanding legal protections to stop non-disclosure agreements silencing harassment victims beyond employees.
In brief
Government considers expanding legal protections to stop non-disclosure agreements silencing harassment victims beyond employees. UK ministers are accelerating plans to expand NDA protections beyond employees to freelancers and volunteers following allegations against David Walliams. Originally reported by the…
Guardian investigation into Walliams
An investigation by the Guardian and ITV News said David Walliams used his power and status to prey on young women for sex. Walliams denies any wrongdoing.
NDAs allegedly silenced victims
Reports indicate NDAs were used by an employer to silence at least one woman connected to Walliams. This has prompted government action on NDA protections.
Current law covers employees only
The Employment Rights Act bars NDAs being used to stop employees disclosing harassment or discrimination. A recent government consultation looked at extending this protection more widely.
Ministers plan to expand protections
Ministers are looking at ways to change the law quickly to extend NDA protections to freelancers, volunteers and others beyond employees.
“We are very much in the space of looking at areas that we can change quickly and without legislation if there are loopholes.”
Nandy to meet creative industries
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is holding a planned meeting next week with representatives from TV, film, publishing and sport to discuss possible new protections. She agreed NDAs were central to enforced silence.
Campaigner backs faster action
Zelda Perkins, a former PA to Harvey Weinstein who broke an NDA to discuss his predatory behaviour, said she hoped the government would be galvanised by the Walliams allegations.
“Extending protections over harassment and discrimination beyond employees is absolutely key.”
Separate move on child abuse law
Separate moves are likely to lead to a law change so any adult who has penetrative sex with a child aged under sixteen would automatically be charged with rape.
The key point
UK ministers are accelerating plans to expand NDA protections beyond employees to freelancers and volunteers following allegations against David Walliams.
