Model Agencies
London agents fall below acceptable standards
In response to a Government investigation, 9 modelling and entertainment agencies in London have been issued with warnings for failing to comply with the law. The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EASI), which carries out inspections of agencies on the basis of perceived risk of non-compliance and investigates complaints about agency conduct, followed up on reports of improper activities by agencies who supply staff for the entertainment and modelling sectors. The EASI found 37 breaches of the law by the 9 companies. The infringements included charging illegal fees and non-compliance with accounting rules.
The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2003 stipulate that it is illegal, when trying to find employment for a work-seeker, to charge both the potential employee and the hirer. Also, all monies taken on behalf of models and entertainers should be kept in a separate account to protect it from any financial problems the agency may experience. The agencies found to have broken the law could face prosecution and fines of up to £5,000 per offence. They could also be banned from operating for up to 10 years.
(Published by UK Legal News - 16 March 2009)