Rayner bans NDAs for bosses trying to cover up sex scandals
In the end, the High Court action brought by the businessman was abandoned.
Despite dropping his legal claim, Sir Philip threatened to sue former staff with NDAs if they spoke out against him.
In June, the Commons women and equalities committee urged ministers to ban NDAs to tackle misogyny in the music industry.
NDAs are legally binding contracts which prevent either party to the agreement sharing specified, sensitive information with others.
They are regularly used by businesses in matters related to intellectual property or trade secrets.
But campaigners have warned the agreements are also used to silence victims of discrimination, harassment and abuse from speaking out.
The decision to change the law was welcomed as 'a huge milestone' by Zelda Perkins, a former assistant of Weinstein, who broke her NDA to help expose the film producer as a rapist.
She said: 'For years, we've heard empty promises from governments whilst victims have continued to be silenced. To see this Government accept the need for nationwide legal change shows that they have listened and understood the abuse of power taking place.
'Above all though, this victory belongs to people who broke their NDAs, who risked everything to speak the truth when they were told they couldn't. Without their courage, none of this would be happening.'
Years of 'tireless campaigning'
Louise Haigh, the former transport secretary who has raised the issue several times in Parliament, said the decision was 'an incredible victory for victims and campaigners' after years of 'tireless campaigning'.
She said: 'This victory belongs to them. Organisations like Can't Buy My Silence, led by the indefatigable Zelda Perkins, have exposed the harm caused by this toxic practice.
'Today's announcement will mean that bad employers can no longer hide behind legal practices that cover up their wrongdoing and prevent victims from getting justice.'
The Government had previously indicated it was considering a ban on NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination, while Justin Madders, the employment minister, called for a 'cultural shift in employers' earlier in 2025.
Announcing the change, Mr Madders said: 'The misuse of NDAs to silence victims of harassment or discrimination is an appalling practice that this Government has been determined to end.
'These amendments will give millions of workers confidence that inappropriate behaviour in the workplace will be dealt with, not hidden, allowing them to get on with building a prosperous and successful career.'
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