Vogue signs models' union code for work conditions

Equity, an organisation that represents models and actors,

has drawn up a 10 point code to protect models during work situations.

British Vogue, who signed the code, agrees that models hired will not work longer than ten hours a day, will have adequate food provided and will not do any semi or fully nude shoots unless agreed in advance.

The code also prohibits models under the age of 16 from being photographed for shoots representing adult models. Other requisites include mandatory breaks, changing rooms, transport, prompt payment and suitable temperatures for the clothes being modelled.

Equity recently partnered with the Association of Model Agents, the British Fashion Council, and the Greater London Authority to create the Model Programme for London Fashion Week (LFW). This produced a code of conduct covering issues such as minimum rates of pay for LFW shows (for both female and male models) and which increase according to the number of times the designer has shown at LFW; separate fitting fees; usage rights for photo and film; breaks; refreshments; conditions in changing areas; nudity; temperature; transport; health and safety and invoicing periods.

"Signing up to Equity's Ten Point Code truly shows British Vogue's dedication to improving the working conditions of models," said Equity Models Committee chair Dunja Knezevic. "We hope that other magazines and publishing houses, retailers and designers will also understand the importance of protecting models in the workplace, sign up to the code and prevent treatment of the kind which would be wholly unacceptable in any other profession!"

"Work has been ongoing in the year since the Health Initiative was announced by all international Vogue editors," said British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman. "Here in Britain, we've been working with model agencies to assist in the education and mentorship of younger models, and our support of the Equity Code reinforces our continued commitment to set the benchmark for this important industry issue. We're very pleased that Equity is using its position in such a positive way."