Models deserve fair pay.

The UK modelling industry is currently unregulated when it comes to minimum pay and image usage. Many models are working long hours for below minimum wage, or receiving no compensation when their images are used by brands for commercial gain—sometimes for years after the shoot.

We are calling for legal protections to ensure models are treated as workers—not just faces.

We demand:

• A legally recognised minimum day rate for all professional modelling work

• Standardised usage fees based on where, how long, and how widely a model’s image is used

• Mandatory written contracts for all modelling jobs

• Protection around cancellations, overtime, and travel expenses

Modelling is work. It requires time, skill, professionalism, and personal labour—often without workplace protections. While other freelance and creative industries are moving toward regulation, modelling remains overlooked.

This lack of regulation disproportionately affects young, marginalised, and freelance models—particularly those without agency representation or legal knowledge.

We believe it’s time to change that.

We ask the UK Government to work with model unions, ethical agencies, and campaigners to create a legal framework that protects image rights, ensures fair compensation, and ends the normalisation of free usage.

Rate the Industry is a movement led by models and agents demanding dignity, transparency, and legal protections for all talent.

Why is this important?

• Without usage fees, brands can use a model’s image in major campaigns while the model receives no ongoing payment

• Without contracts, models can be dropped, exploited, or unpaid with no legal recourse

• Without minimum rates, some models are earning less than £5/hour after travel and prep are factored in

• Without regulation, the industry rewards silence and punishes advocacy

This is about fair pay, fair usage, and fair treatment.

It’s time to rate the industry—and raise the standard.