Photo Credits – Kristina Flour via Unsplash

Cross-party MPs have renewed calls for a ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDA) in the music industry, following the publication of a new report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC). The report, titled Misogyny in Music: On Repeat, was released on 4 June 2025 and highlights systemic issues of discrimination, harassment, and abuse faced by women in the music sector. A central focus of the report is the use of non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of such misconduct.

Background to the Inquiry

The inquiry was launched in response to increasing concerns about the treatment of women in the music industry, particularly around the prevalence of misogynistic behaviour and lack of accountability. The Women and Equalities Committee received extensive evidence from artists, industry professionals, trade unions, and advocacy groups. Testimonies detail experiences of sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, and a culture of fear, often underpinned by the use of NDAs.

The committee also took into account submissions from the Musicians’ Union, Equity, the Ivors Academy, and other creative sector bodies. These organisations provided evidence that NDAs were frequently used by music employers to prevent victims from speaking publicly about misconduct, sometimes under threat of legal or financial consequences.

Use of NDAs in the Music Industry

NDAs, also known as confidentiality agreements, are legal tools designed to protect sensitive information. In employment and contractual contexts, they are commonly used to safeguard trade secrets, client data, and commercial arrangements. However, the WEC report focuses on their controversial use in cases of sexual misconduct, bullying, and harassment.

According to the findings, NDAs in the music industry are often used to silence victims following complaints or settlement agreements. Some contributors to the inquiry said they were pressured to sign NDAs in exchange for payments or to avoid career damage, particularly where their abuser held a position of influence.

Several women shared experiences of being “gagged” by these agreements that restricted them from speaking about their experiences with friends, family, or prospective employers. One contributor to the inquiry described being “heavily stacked against” during the process of reaching a settlement, despite being the victim of misconduct. Others said they felt “sickened” or “dehumanised” by the NDA process.

Committee Findings and Recommendations

The WEC concluded that the use of non-disclosure agreements in cases involving sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, or discrimination is damaging and contributes to a culture of silence and impunity. The committee’s recommendations include:

• A legislative ban on NDAs in cases involving sexual harassment, bullying, or discrimination related to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

• A retrospective moratorium on NDAs, allowing individuals who have previously signed such agreements to speak out without legal risk.

• Extending legal protections to freelance and self-employed workers, who comprise a large proportion of the music workforce and are currently not protected by many aspects of employment law.

• The right to independent legal advice for anyone being asked to sign a confidentiality agreement in connection with a workplace dispute or allegation of misconduct.

The report also advocates for the establishment of an independent body, the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), to oversee complaints and promote better standards in the sector. The CIISA would provide a mechanism for accountability and independent redress outside of internal employer procedures.

Evidence from Industry Bodies and Victims

The report draws heavily on testimony from individuals and organisations across the industry. The Musicians’ Union stated that NDAs are used to “systematically silence women” and prevent them from warning others. Equity, the performers’ union, noted that abuse of power is a significant issue in the sector, and confidentiality clauses contribute to a lack of transparency.

Many respondents emphasised the imbalance of power between employers or powerful individuals and freelance workers, many of whom fear blacklisting or reputational harm if they speak out. The WEC heard that junior staff, artists, and freelancers were particularly vulnerable and often lacked access to legal advice or HR support.

Reaction to the Report

Following the publication of the WEC’s report, there was a renewed push from MPs and campaigners for the government to introduce legislation banning the use of NDAs in these contexts. Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, expressed frustration with the lack of progress since similar concerns were raised in 2021. She stated that “misogyny remains deeply entrenched in the music industry,” and that these agreements are a significant part of the problem.

Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union, welcomed the report’s findings and reiterated the Union’s longstanding position that non-disclosure agreements should not be used to cover up abuse. She urged the government to adopt the committee’s recommendations in full.

Government Response and Wider Context

In its response, the government acknowledged the concerns raised by the committee but stopped short of committing to a full legislative ban on NDAs. Officials cited the need to balance employee protections with the potential benefits of NDAs in resolving disputes without litigation. However, the WEC has expressed disappointment at what it sees as a lack of meaningful action.

The issue of non-disclosure agreements has been the subject of growing public and parliamentary scrutiny in recent years. Similar concerns have been raised in other sectors, including higher education, where the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 introduced restrictions on the use of NDAs in cases of sexual misconduct. Campaigners are now urging the government to adopt a similar approach across all industries.

Next Steps

The WEC has called on the government to formally respond to the report’s findings and confirm whether it will legislate on NDAs. The committee is also pushing for the swift creation and funding of CIISA, with a mandate to support victims and improve accountability in the creative industries.

As scrutiny of non-disclosure agreements continue, the committee’s report has added momentum to the broader conversation about power, accountability, and workers’ rights in the music industry and beyond.