UNITED KINGDOM
Legislation passed
The Victims and Prisoners Bill 2024 clarified that any confidentiality agreement is void if it precludes a victim from speaking to police, a lawyer, or obtaining regulatory or therapeutic advice services, or family when it is related to criminal conduct. Commencement Regulations have been signed to bring this Bill into force on October 1st 2025.
The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill requires Universities and their constituent colleges that receive public funding must stop using non-disclosure agreements to cover up sexual misconduct, harassment and bullying. The Bill passed all stages and received Royal assent in May 2023 This came into force on August 1st 2025.
The NDA amendment to the UK Employment Rights Bill passed in December 2025. Section 202A of the bill voids confidentiality agreements used to silence victims and witnesses of workplace harassment and discrimination. These amendments go further than previous positions by extending protections to include those without formal employment contracts. It also includes protections for whistleblowers.