Silencing Victims Could Soon Be Unlawful: A Step Forward for Fairer Workplaces

Employment Law Update – July 2025

Employees who’ve faced harassment or discrimination at work may soon have stronger legal rights to speak out. The government has pledged to ban non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that are used to silence victims, marking a long-overdue shift towards greater fairness and transparency.

These agreements have often been used by employers to prevent individuals from talking publicly about traumatic workplace experiences. While NDAs can serve legitimate functions, such as protecting commercial information, too many have been misused to cover up wrongdoing and allow unacceptable behaviour to go unchecked.

The Government has proposed a new section in the Employment Rights Bill which would make NDAs void if they attempt to stop employees from speaking about harassment or discrimination. The government has welcomed the suggestion, and the reform is expected to move forward.

What does this mean for employees?

This change is about giving people the right to speak out without fear. For too long, employees have been left feeling isolated, forced into silence at the most vulnerable time in their lives. Ending the misuse of NDAs will help break that silence and encourage a more honest and supportive workplace culture.

But legal change alone is not enough. Employers must look inward and ask themselves how they respond when staff raise difficult issues. Are they supportive? Do they act fairly? Do they make it safe for someone to come forward? Employers who are genuinely committed to their people must be ready to listen, learn and do better.

Creating Safer, Kinder and Inclusive Workplaces

At Silver Star HR, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work. We help employers build fair, compassionate systems that protect both the individual and the organisation.

If your organisation is ready to lead with integrity and kindness, we are here to help.