The government is to crackdown on the ugly face of the modelling and entertainment industry, introducing new legislation stopping agencies from taking up-front fees from models, background artists, extras and walk-ons.

Draft regulations will go before Parliament in November, coming into force during 2010.

The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) will be charged with enforcing the new regulations. Agencies that fail to comply could face prosecution or be banned from operating for up to 10 years. Courts will also have the power to impose unlimited fines.

Business minister Pat McFadden says: “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.”