In its latest report, the committee looked at all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. It said that it was “completely unacceptable that allegations of unlawful discrimination and harassment in the workplace are routinely covered up by employers with legally drafted non-disclosure agreements”.

NDAs were being used in place of investigating allegations of unlawful discrimination properly, or at all in some cases, said the committee, and an imbalance of power between employees and employers means that “employees can feel they have little choice but to reach a settlement that prohibits them speaking out”.

NDAs can have a number of negative effects on the victim. The committee said: “The most shocking evidence given to our inquiry has been the detrimental effect an NDA can have on the lives of ordinary people.

“We received evidence from those who, after signing an NDA found it difficult to work in the same sector again.

“Some suffer emotional and psychological damage as a result of their experiences, which can affect their ability to work again or to move on. Some also suffer financially as a result of losing their job and bringing a case against their employer.”

This is why MPs are calling for a ban on gagging orders on victims of sexual harassment