Banning NDAs fundamental to tackling 'culture of misogyny' in the music industry, WEC warns

04 June 2025 - Press release

Ministers must now act to ban non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases involving sexual misconduct, bullying, or discrimination, or risk perpetuating the "culture of misogyny and discrimination" facing women in the music industry, a new report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) has warned.

In 'Misogyny in music: on repeat' published today (Wednesday, 4 June), one year on from WEC's first report, MPs on the cross-party committee chaired by Labour MP Sarah Owen found that "misogyny remains deeply rooted in the music industry" and "meaningful change requires both cultural and structural reform".

Focusing on the role of Government, WEC's report sets out a series of necessary legislative reforms, and calls for improved protections, and reporting mechanisms. The report cautions that sexual harassment remains pervasive, with reporting rates low due to fear of retaliation. Women in music still face significant barriers, including unequal pay, ageism and there is an "overwhelming case" for the Government to implement WEC's updated report recommendations as "little has changed".

On NDAs, the report calls on the Government to urgently bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit the use of non-disclosure and other forms of confidentiality agreements in cases involving sexual abuse, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, bullying or harassment, and discrimination relating to a protected characteristic. Doing so would demonstrate decisive leadership and ensure that the silencing of victims of abuse will no longer be tolerated, it said.

WEC underlined the inadequacy of current legal protections for freelance musicians, who make up the majority of the industry's workforce. It cautioned that the Equality Act 2010 does not clearly extend to freelancers or those working under informal arrangements, such as "depping" (substituting for another musician).

Although the Employment Rights Bill proposes stronger protections against third-party harassment, there is concern that freelancers may still be excluded. The report urged the Government to amend both the Equality Act and the Employment Rights Bill to ensure that freelancers are fully protected, as well as bring Section 14 of the Equality Act into force, to allow claims based on combined characteristics.

WEC's report voiced its strong support for the formation of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), a new independent body designed to address misconduct across the creative sectors, but noted that its success depends on sustainable funding and a supportive legal framework.

The Committee noted that while some industry players have committed to funding CIISA, others have been reluctant or have attempted to impose conditions, adding it supports the idea of a mandatory levy if voluntary contributions from the industry prove insufficient or difficult to obtain. The Government needs to demonstrate its full support for CIISA and get on with providing it with the legal assurances it needs to undertake its crucial work, it added.

On maternity rights, the report highlighted the challenges faced by parents and carers in the music industry, noting that freelancers, in particular, struggle with inadequate maternity support and the high cost of childcare. It called on the Government to amend the Employment Rights Bill to align Maternity Allowance with Statutory Maternity Pay to allow self-employed women greater flexibility during maternity leave and remove unfairness within the system.

Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and Labour MP Sarah Owen said: "One year on from the Women and Equalities Committee's report on Misogyny in music, significant issues within the industry remain unaddressed and appear to be on repeat.

"WEC's 2024 report warned women pursuing careers in music face "endemic" misogyny and discrimination in a sector dominated by self-employment. It laid bare a "boys' club" where sexual harassment and abuse is common, and the non-reporting of such incidents is high.   

"The misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) is a major concern. NDAs are frequently used to silence victims of harassment and abuse, often under coercive circumstances. The report presents evidence of the psychological toll these agreements take and the power imbalances that make them particularly harmful in the music industry.

"Women working in music feel rightly frustrated at the lack of support from the Government in tackling the challenges they face. Female artists should not encounter limitations in opportunity or have to work far harder to get the recognition their ability and talent merits. We urge ministers to accept the recommendations in our new report and help set the music industry on a path of lasting change free from discrimination and harassment."