What's Happening?
Zelda Perkins, a former assistant to Harvey Weinstein, has been awarded a CBE in the King's New Year Honours list for her efforts in campaigning against abusive Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Perkins, who hails from Salisbury, Wiltshire, initially
signed an NDA with Weinstein that barred her from discussing his abusive behavior. However, she broke this agreement in 2017 to speak out against him. Her advocacy work, through the group Can't Buy My Silence, aims to prevent NDAs from being used to silence victims of abuse and discrimination. The UK government has announced plans to enshrine this change into law, a move influenced by Perkins' campaigning. Perkins views her CBE as a tool to hold the government accountable and as a symbol of optimism for change.
Why It's Important?
The awarding of a CBE to Zelda Perkins highlights the growing recognition of the need to address the misuse of NDAs in silencing victims of abuse. This development is significant as it underscores a shift towards greater transparency and accountability in legal agreements, particularly in the workplace. By challenging the traditional use of NDAs, Perkins' work could lead to legislative changes that protect employees and encourage a culture where victims can speak out without fear of legal repercussions. This has broader implications for workplace policies and the legal framework surrounding employment contracts, potentially influencing similar reforms in other jurisdictions.
What's Next?
With the UK government planning to enshrine changes regarding the use of NDAs into law, the focus will likely shift to the implementation and enforcement of these new regulations. Stakeholders, including legal experts, employers, and advocacy groups, will be closely monitoring the legislative process to ensure that the changes effectively protect victims. Additionally, there may be increased pressure on other countries to adopt similar measures, potentially leading to a global reevaluation of how NDAs are used in employment and legal contexts.
