Menu
12/11/2009
Rogue Entertainment Agencies Crackdown
The Government has today announced new action to crackdown on the ugly face of the modelling and entertainment industry.
To prevent rogue entertainment and modelling agencies from exploiting people the Government will introduce new rules banning agencies from taking upfront fees from models, background artists, extras and walk-ons.
There is a concern that some agencies are charging exorbitant amounts without any likelihood of securing people castings or work.
Business Minister Pat McFadden said:"Unfortunately there are some rogue agencies that prey on models and entertainers who have stars in their eyes. Last year we introduced a cooling off period for up front fees, but we are still receiving some reports that people are being exploited. So now we are going even further by banning them outright.
"This will tackle the unscrupulous agents that represent the less appealing face of the modelling and entertainment industry."
Draft regulations will be laid in Parliament in November and will come into force during 2010.
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) will enforce the new regulations. Agencies that break the law could face prosecution and courts can impose unlimited fines for the most serious offences. Rogue agencies could also be banned from operating for up to ten years.
Martin Kenny, from Equity welcomed the announcement: "We fully support these changes and hope that they will further strengthen the rights of workers across all industry offering greater protection against the acts of unscrupulous agents.
"Equity has worked closely with BIS throughout this consultation process and will continue to do so. We look forward to the implementation of the regulations in 2010 and we are confident that they will provide a better framework to bring successful prosecutions."
Spencer MacDonald, BECTU (Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union) said: "BECTU has always condemned and opposed upfront fees taken by agents for background artistes. For that reason BECTU welcomes this bold move to ban fees being taken from extras and walk-ons. This could now spell the end of the worst abusive practices that have plagued agency workers in the entertainment sector."
(GK/BMcC)
To prevent rogue entertainment and modelling agencies from exploiting people the Government will introduce new rules banning agencies from taking upfront fees from models, background artists, extras and walk-ons.
There is a concern that some agencies are charging exorbitant amounts without any likelihood of securing people castings or work.
Business Minister Pat McFadden said:"Unfortunately there are some rogue agencies that prey on models and entertainers who have stars in their eyes. Last year we introduced a cooling off period for up front fees, but we are still receiving some reports that people are being exploited. So now we are going even further by banning them outright.
"This will tackle the unscrupulous agents that represent the less appealing face of the modelling and entertainment industry."
Draft regulations will be laid in Parliament in November and will come into force during 2010.
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) will enforce the new regulations. Agencies that break the law could face prosecution and courts can impose unlimited fines for the most serious offences. Rogue agencies could also be banned from operating for up to ten years.
Martin Kenny, from Equity welcomed the announcement: "We fully support these changes and hope that they will further strengthen the rights of workers across all industry offering greater protection against the acts of unscrupulous agents.
"Equity has worked closely with BIS throughout this consultation process and will continue to do so. We look forward to the implementation of the regulations in 2010 and we are confident that they will provide a better framework to bring successful prosecutions."
Spencer MacDonald, BECTU (Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union) said: "BECTU has always condemned and opposed upfront fees taken by agents for background artistes. For that reason BECTU welcomes this bold move to ban fees being taken from extras and walk-ons. This could now spell the end of the worst abusive practices that have plagued agency workers in the entertainment sector."
(GK/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 May 2003
Chancellor freezes terror assets
In one of the latest moves in the war against terror, Chancellor Gordon Brown has instructed UK financial institutions to freeze all assets belonging to the Al-Aqsa Foundation.
Chancellor freezes terror assets
In one of the latest moves in the war against terror, Chancellor Gordon Brown has instructed UK financial institutions to freeze all assets belonging to the Al-Aqsa Foundation.
16 May 2003
TUC calls for more rights for temps
The TUC has claimed that the "unregulated and fragmented" market in the UK has allowed recruitment agencies to exploit temporary workers.
TUC calls for more rights for temps
The TUC has claimed that the "unregulated and fragmented" market in the UK has allowed recruitment agencies to exploit temporary workers.
20 February 2007
Government warning on rogue casting agencies
Aspiring models and entertainers are being warned to look out for rogue casting agencies who will try to take their money with false promises of fame. The Department of Trade and Industry has published new advice to help would-be entertainers and models ensure that they work with reputable agencies while they pursue their dream career.
Government warning on rogue casting agencies
Aspiring models and entertainers are being warned to look out for rogue casting agencies who will try to take their money with false promises of fame. The Department of Trade and Industry has published new advice to help would-be entertainers and models ensure that they work with reputable agencies while they pursue their dream career.
30 June 2015
Counter-Terrorism Exercise Underway In London
A "major exercise" is currently underway in central London, which will test emergency services and Government response to a terrorist attack. Held in and around central London, Operation Strong Tower, commenced on Tuesday morning and is expected to last until Wednesday lunch time.
Counter-Terrorism Exercise Underway In London
A "major exercise" is currently underway in central London, which will test emergency services and Government response to a terrorist attack. Held in and around central London, Operation Strong Tower, commenced on Tuesday morning and is expected to last until Wednesday lunch time.
06 November 2003
'Ghost ships' will not be sent back to US: Beckett
Two WWII-vintage US warships, which are scheduled for dismantling in the UK, will not be sent back across the Atlantic, the environment secretary said today. The so-called 'ghost ships' had been due to be scrapped by British company Able UK at Hartlepool docks.
'Ghost ships' will not be sent back to US: Beckett
Two WWII-vintage US warships, which are scheduled for dismantling in the UK, will not be sent back across the Atlantic, the environment secretary said today. The so-called 'ghost ships' had been due to be scrapped by British company Able UK at Hartlepool docks.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
