At Black Lives in Music, we have long advocated for safer, fairer working environments for Black and global majority people in the music industry, especially those who have faced discrimination, harassment or abuse. That is why we welcome the Government’s latest move to end the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in these situations.
In a formal response to the Women and Equalities Committee’s follow-up report on Misogyny in Music, Minister for Employment Rights Justin Madders MP confirmed that the Government will amend the Employment Rights Bill to void any NDA clauses that attempt to prevent workers from speaking out about incidents involving sexual harassment, bullying, or discrimination linked to a protected characteristic.
This is a major step forward. For too long, NDAs have been used to silence victims and protect those in power. The changes proposed would help prevent employers from pressuring individuals into silence, and restore agency and protection for those affected. Notably, there will also be safeguards to ensure any NDA used is worker-led, not employer-imposed.
The Government has also indicated that these protections could be extended to include freelancers and self-employed workers which is a vital recognition in a sector where many Black and global majority creatives work outside of formal employment.
This follows continued pressure from the Women and Equalities Committee, campaign groups like Can’t Buy My Silence, and voices across the music industry, including Black Lives in Music.
Earlier this year, CEO Charisse Beaumont addressed MPs at Parliament as part of the Committee’s inquiry into misogyny in music. She called for stronger legal protections, better industry accountability, and the end of NDAs being used to suppress the voices of those who have experienced harm. We are pleased to see those calls beginning to be reflected in legislative action.
This is not just about policy. It is about ensuring that everyone in music can speak out, be heard, and work in safety.