DEPARTMENT FOR
BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM News Release (2009/74)
issued by COI News Distribution Service. 19 March 2009
The Government
today begins a consultation designed to crack down on
entertainment and modelling agencies that exploit aspiring actors
and models.
One proposal being examined is a ban on allowing agencies to
charge up-front fees to people who think they might be the next
big thing. There is a concern that some agencies are charging
exorbitant amounts without any likelihood of securing castings or
work for the aspiring performer.
Employment Relations Minister Pat McFadden said:
"Last year we introduced a cooling-off period for up-front
fees, but we are still receiving reports that models and
entertainers are being exploited. So now we propose to go further
to stop young people being ripped off.
"I don't want to tread on anyone's hopes or
dreams, but I don't want to see these hopes and dreams
exploited by unscrupulous agents and that's why we are
bringing forward these proposals."
Ben Seale, Managing Director of Spotlight said:
"Spotlight fully supports BERR's attempts to tackle the
abuse of upfront fees in the entertainment and modelling sector.
We will work closely with them to develop measures that stop the
rogue operators, while allowing legitimate industry directories to
continue with their vital role in the casting process."
This broad-ranging consultation will also consider whether there
is any unnecessary red-tape that can be removed to help honest
businesses. Guy Bailey, Senior Policy Advisor on Employment issues
at the Confederation of Business and Industry said:
"The CBI welcomes measures to remove unnecessary burdens on
employers; when economic growth returns, removing avoidable
employment costs will help employment growth to resume more quickly."
Notes to Editors
1. The consultation is available via the Department for Business
website, at http://www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page50428.html.
The consultation will run until 11 June 2009
2. A cooling-off period for up-front fees charged by agencies in
the modelling and entertainment sector came into force on 6 April
2008. More information on this, and other rules regarding this
sector are available at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Understandingyourworkstatus/Agencyworkersandemploymentagencies/DG_173262
3. Spotlight is a central database of over 30,000 professional
actors and actresses. It is the entertainment industry's
leading casting resource.
4. The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) is
responsible for enforcing the Conduct of Employment Agency and
Employment Business Regulations, carrying out inspections and
responding to complaints. If you are an aspiring model or
entertainer and you feel your rights have been abused, please call
the EAS on 0845 955 5105, email eas@berr.gsi.gov.uk or visit http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/agencyworkers/
5. You can respond to the consultation's proposals online,
at http://tinyurl.com/d5cgwe