Consultation outcome

Payment handling by employment agencies in the entertainment, sport and modelling sectors

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government
This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Detail of outcome

We consulted from 9 February to 20 April on the best way to respond, by assessing whether to amend the relevant legislation.

The government has decided to amend the relevant legislation to permit the agency supplement and will bring forward the legislation when parliamentary time allows.

This document outlines the government’s response.


Original consultation

Summary

We're seeking views on how employment agencies handle payments in a bid to ensure that business has flexibility it needs while protecting workers' rights.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

Employment agencies in the entertainment, sport and modelling sectors can charge work-finding fees to businesses or workers. This is an exception to the general rule for employment agencies.

Some of these agencies are using what is known as ‘the agency supplement’ model to do so. Some concerns have been raised that this model of charging fees and paying workers is not compliant with the current rules.

This consultation seeks evidence on the best way to respond, by assessing whether to maintain the current legal position or amend the relevant legislation.

We welcome views from anyone with an interest, in particular:

  • work-seekers in the entertainment and modelling sectors
  • employment agencies
  • trade bodies and unions operating in these sectors
  • employment lawyers
  • those with an interest in the agency worker legislation

See the BEIS consultation privacy notice.

Documents

Updates to this page

Published 9 February 2022
Last updated 14 December 2023 + show all updates
  1. Published government response.

  2. First published.

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