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X Factor 'exploits', says Equity | X Factor 'exploits', says Equity |
(31 minutes later) | |
TV talent shows such as The X Factor are guilty of "cheap exploitation" because they do not pay contestants, performers union Equity has claimed. | |
It is calling for all contestants who reach the final round this year to be paid and have legal status as workers. | It is calling for all contestants who reach the final round this year to be paid and have legal status as workers. |
The union is to table a motion at the TUC conference next month calling on TV companies to pay talent show hopefuls. | The union is to table a motion at the TUC conference next month calling on TV companies to pay talent show hopefuls. |
But X Factor producer Talkback Thames has refuted the union's claims, saying Equity rates "do not apply". | But X Factor producer Talkback Thames has refuted the union's claims, saying Equity rates "do not apply". |
The independent production company, which also makes Britain's Got Talent for ITV1, said its shows were talent competitions and were therefore "not employment in their own right". | The independent production company, which also makes Britain's Got Talent for ITV1, said its shows were talent competitions and were therefore "not employment in their own right". |
"Contestants choose to enter to compete for a substantial prize," its spokeswoman continued. | "Contestants choose to enter to compete for a substantial prize," its spokeswoman continued. |
"The shows also give ordinary people an opportunity to showcase their talents and potentially transform their lives." | "The shows also give ordinary people an opportunity to showcase their talents and potentially transform their lives." |
Compensation | Compensation |
Last year, Equity accused production company Endemol of not paying contestants on BBC One show The One and Only. | Last year, Equity accused production company Endemol of not paying contestants on BBC One show The One and Only. |
It alleges companies like Endemol and Talkback Thames are exploiting a loophole in minimum wage legislation that means contestants on reality talent shows have no employment rights. | It alleges companies like Endemol and Talkback Thames are exploiting a loophole in minimum wage legislation that means contestants on reality talent shows have no employment rights. |
The union has called on them to follow the example of the BBC, which paid contestants in the final rounds of talent shows How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything at Equity rates. | The union has called on them to follow the example of the BBC, which paid contestants in the final rounds of talent shows How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything at Equity rates. |
In June, a court in France ruled that contestants on the French show Temptation Island should be treated as employed workers. | In June, a court in France ruled that contestants on the French show Temptation Island should be treated as employed workers. |
Three contestants on the show were awarded 11,000 euros (£9,472) in compensation after the Cour de Cassation decided they were entitled to overtime pay. | Three contestants on the show were awarded 11,000 euros (£9,472) in compensation after the Cour de Cassation decided they were entitled to overtime pay. |
At the time the head of its production company, TF1 Production, said the decision would cause upheaval for TV reality shows. | At the time the head of its production company, TF1 Production, said the decision would cause upheaval for TV reality shows. |
The X Factor returns to ITV1 on Saturday. | The X Factor returns to ITV1 on Saturday. |
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