Equity in breakthrough for fashion models

The actors’ union Equity launched the first union agreement for catwalk models at last month’s London Fashion Week. The agreement sets out recommended terms and conditions and was drawn up by the Model Programme, which includes Equity, the Association of Model Agents, the British Fashion Council and the Greater London Authority (GLA).

In addition to recommendations on pay, it also lays down guarantees on working conditions following the Model Health Inquiry and the Model Health Action Plan, established to develop safe and healthy working conditions for models at London Fashion Week. It includes:

a minimum break during each show; food and drink provided backstage at each show; reasonable working temperature during shows; privacy for models in the changing area; no models under 16 years of age; advance notice regarding any requirements for nudity or semi-nudity; and transport for late and early working sessions.

The agreement, which has taken several years to reach, also sets down that models’ employers are responsible for all aspects of their health and safety and commits them to undertaking risk assessments.

Equity general secretary Christine Payne said: “This is a major achievement for models. Since 2007 Equity has been representing models and working with industry partners towards an agreed employment contract for models. At last they have a framework which sets down clear parameters for their working day. I pay tribute to the small group of models who have helped to bring this about.”