Nine modelling and entertainment agencies have been issued with warnings for failing to comply with the law following an investigation by the government’s Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate.

Inspectors found 37 separate breaches of legislation, including charging illegal fees and sub-standard accounting practices.

Follow up investigations will be carried out to ensure that the agencies concerned have acted to change their ways.  Continued non-compliance with the law could result in prosecutions, heavy fines or even being banned from operating for up to 10 years.

The government is to publish a consultation, which will seek views on any further steps that might be required to protect models and entertainers.

Employment relations minister Pat McFadden says: “There are some agencies willing to exploit models and entertainers who think they’ve got the X-Factor but don’t know their rights.  This behaviour is unacceptable and agencies that flout the law should get their final curtain call.

“The government has doubled the number of Employment Agency Standards inspectors so that they can get out on the ground and target the rule-breakers.”

You can report employment agencies you suspect of breaking the law to the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate on 0845 955 5105 or

[email protected].