HL Deb 03 July 2001 vol 626 cc35-6WA
Lord Campbell of Croy

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they intend to make to change the Employment Agencies Act 1973 in relation to agencies operating in the entertainment industry. [HL68]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

In February 2001 we issued the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2001, which will amend the existing legislative framework governing the private recruitment industry. The regulations will also apply to agencies operating in the entertainment industry. Our objective is simpler, clearer regulations relevant to the market of today and of the future. Most of the proposed new regulations are simply designed to be updated, streamlined versions of existing requirements, and we propose to repeal those that now appear out of date and unnecessary. We are seeking to outlaw the practice by supposed agents in the entertainment and modelling sectors who take money from work-seekers but offer little or no work. The new regulations will also require entertainment agents handling workers' earnings to operate proper client accounts for them.