“It’s fantastic that Debenhams has supported models by being the first retailer to sign up to the Ten Point Code. Debenhams is not only positively employing models who represent the body image more typical of women in the work place, but they are treating models with the same care as a good employer.

“This new development will give the public confidence that Debenhams is treating models with the respect that they would expect to receive in the workplace. We can only hope that other major retailers will follow their example. Equity is delighted that more and more key players in the fashion industry are supporting the Equity Ten Point Code”.

Hilary Hadley, Head of Live Performance at Equity, said:

“Since Equity took models into membership we have worked hard to ensure that they receive terms and conditions equal to those enjoyed by our members working throughout the entertainment industry. This has sadly been far from the case.

“The Ten Point Code really concentrates on the basics. It ensures that where the Code is adopted models will be treated with respect and professionalism and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the safety, health, well-being and dignity of a model is protected and maintained at all times during the contract period.

“We would hope that now Vogue and Debenhams have taken the lead more organisations will follow suit and that the Ten Point Code becomes the accepted starting point for all models working in the fashion industry”.

Debenhams