Archive Website of the UK government

How to avoid the pitfalls

If it is too good to be true, then it probably is

Be careful of anyone who promises they can make you a star overnight. Dodgy agencies will tell you what you want to hear: for example 'you are just what we are looking for' to make you sign up and pay unnecessary or excessive fees.

Question any claims that you will be found work straight away or that they have supplied people to well known companies. Ask the agency questions and be suspicious of anyone who can't or won't provide clear answers.

Reputable agencies will tell you that the industry is very tough to get into and only a very small number of people have what it takes to succeed. Lots of good-looking and talented people struggle to get enough work.

Be cautious of local advertisements for 'no experience necessary' casting sessions

There are instances of hard selling techniques being used by unscrupulous agencies at casting sessions they have arranged. Before you attend a casting session find out as much as you can about the agency.

If you experience hard selling techniques or feel pressured into paying fees or signing a contract then leave. If a reputable agency is interested in you they will give you a chance to think about their offer.

Beware of companies who scout you on the street and tell you that you have the 'look'

Some rogue companies target young aspiring models on the street, eg shopping centres, and tell them they have the 'look'. They take details and a photograph and tell you they can find you work.

Within a couple of days they contact you to tell you:

• they have a job that you are perfect for
• you must have professional photographs to be considered for it

They advise you to visit a studio they know to get them taken. When you arrive you are given the hard sell and pressured into purchasing large portfolios, sometimes for as much as £1,500.

The jobs they have told you about often do not exist and they do not intend to find you work.

Always check out an agency that approaches you on the street to see if they are genuine.

Beware of advertisements claiming to provide artists for popular TV programmes

Popular programmes usually use agencies and clients they have used before. Advertisements claiming to work with popular TV programmes are unlikely to be true. If in doubt, try phoning the TV company to ask if they use the agency or ask the agency for references from recent clients.

Never pay any money on the day

If you are asked for money when you first speak to an agency they are breaking the law and you should walk away. Report their actions to the Pay and Work Rights Helpline or fill out the online complaint form.

• Pay and Work Rights complaint form Opens new window

Never sign anything on the day, especially if you are being pressured

Reputable agencies let you take paperwork away to read carefully at your leisure. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of a contract before signing. Ask someone else for help if you do not understand the terms and conditions yourself, or contact the Pay and Work Rights Helpline for support.

Agencies are only allowed to charge fees in limited circumstances

It is common for your agent to take commission from your earnings. If you are asked for money before or after you have signed a contract, ask what you are getting for your money.

From 1 October 2010, agencies finding you work as a photographic and/or fashion model are banned from charging you an upfront fee, including a fee for your details to appear in a publication or on a website.

If you are looking for work as an actor, background artist, dancer, extra, musician, singer or other performer, agencies can charge you fees in connection with a publication or website containing your details. If you are asked for money to include your details ask to see a current version and find out where your details will be made available. Ask how getting your details into this publication would help you get work.

The agency cannot take any money from you for 30 days from entering into an agreement and you have the right during this time to withdraw from the contract.

Beware of agencies who ask you for repeated fees

If you have paid for a set of photos or other services and then another agency calls saying they need more pictures and fees then be cautious. There is no guarantee of finding work even with reputable agencies, but beware of people who ask you for repeated fees.

You have a 30 day cooling off period after agreeing to publication fees

If you agree to have your details appear in a publication or website remember that you have a 30 day cooling off period in which the agency cannot take the fee. If an agency attempts to take the fee this is a criminal offence and you should report them to the Pay and Work Rights Helpline.

Check out the agency before saying yes

Look at their website and ask how many of their clients are in regular work. No agency can guarantee work for clients as it is a tough industry but a reputable agency will have no problem answering your questions. Ask the agency to provide contacts who can give you references.

Where to get help

The Pay and Work Rights Helpline can give you support or advice on your rights as an agency worker.

If you have a general enquiry about your employment rights as an agency worker or a complaint about the agency you can use their online enquiry or complaint form.

• Pay and Work Rights general enquiry form Opens new window

• Pay and Work Rights complaint form Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Pay and Work Rights Helpline

• Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

• Citizens Advice Bureau

• More useful contacts