Hide
The Blue Compass Network
Please select which of the site you wish to access from the Blue Compass Network.
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |
| Topic: Major loophole spotted in up-front fees laws – ‘The Stage' 16Feb10 | ||
|---|---|---|
| According to 'The Stage' newspaper, last week: "New legislation to tackle up-front fees has been labelled “a sham”, after it emerged that agencies registered abroad will be immune from the proposed government crack-down. "The revised regulations, due to be brought into force this October, ban agencies representing extras, models and walk-ons from charging potential clients up-front fees. Meanwhile, other performers, including actors, will see a current seven-day cooling off period - designed to give people the chance to change their minds before committing money - extended to 30 days. "However, critics this week said the new laws would be worthless, after a major loophole emerged. Companies will be able to flout the law and continue to charge up-front fees if they are not actually trading from within the UK. "The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has admitted that a company that trades abroad does not fall under the scope of the regulation, even if it provides a UK postal address on its website and positions itself as a casting company for British performers. "Ben Seale, managing partner of directory Spotlight - which will fall under the scope of the new legislation - criticised the loophole and said BIS had admitted there is nothing it can do other than “work with the industry to create greater awareness of potential rogue operators”." Click: http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/27257/major-loophole-spotted-in-up-front-fees-laws If you think this news is bad enough.... Ooops... On the bright side... Both Bectu & Equity have virtually the same motion going to their Annual Conference/ARC, in May. Below is the one from Bectu: That this Bectu Annual Conference deplores the latest attempt (third) to ban up-front fees charged by employment agencies in the entertainments industry where agency licensing is still not on the agenda. This ARC calls on the General Secretary, A. To make it known to the government, that these poorly drafted - proposed new regulations are totally unacceptable. B. To lobby the government minister responsible, for a meeting. C. To lobby the BIS Select Committee, for a meeting D. To ensure that someone from the FAA Committee also attends such a meeting/s **;^)) | ||
| [add comments | all topics] |
Please note: Messages written in the forum do not represent the views of Casting Call Pro, nor have they been vetted by Casting Call Pro staff. If you read something which you believe to be offensive or defamatory, please contact us and we will take the appropriate action.
