Talent shows like the X Factor are 'exploiting and humiliating', according to the performers' union Equity.
The trade union claims TV production companies are making large profits from the 'cheap exploitation' of people with a desperate desire to make it in the entertainment business.
Equity claims that contestants on the shows are not classed as workers, due to loopholes in the minimum wage legislation, and therefore have no employment rights.
The union has called for contestants to be paid, and will table a motion at the next TUC conference.
'The contestants in such programmes are often compelled to enter into restrictive contracts and because of a loophole in the National Minimum Wage Act for competitions they generally do not get paid,' the motion will declare.
'These programmes may be very popular with the public but are based on exploitation and humiliation of vulnerable people, which cannot be acceptable.
'The public's demand for high quality entertainment should be met by professional drama and light entertainment which has been replaced by this cheap exploitation.'
Talkback Thames, which produces The X Factor, however, responded claiming contestants agree to enter the competition in the hope of winning a 'substantial prize'.
'The shows also give ordinary people an opportunity to showcase their talents and potentially transform their lives,' the company states.
The X Factor returns on ITV this Saturday.
The trade union claims TV production companies are making large profits from the 'cheap exploitation' of people with a desperate desire to make it in the entertainment business.
Equity claims that contestants on the shows are not classed as workers, due to loopholes in the minimum wage legislation, and therefore have no employment rights.
The union has called for contestants to be paid, and will table a motion at the next TUC conference.
'The contestants in such programmes are often compelled to enter into restrictive contracts and because of a loophole in the National Minimum Wage Act for competitions they generally do not get paid,' the motion will declare.
'These programmes may be very popular with the public but are based on exploitation and humiliation of vulnerable people, which cannot be acceptable.
'The public's demand for high quality entertainment should be met by professional drama and light entertainment which has been replaced by this cheap exploitation.'
Talkback Thames, which produces The X Factor, however, responded claiming contestants agree to enter the competition in the hope of winning a 'substantial prize'.
'The shows also give ordinary people an opportunity to showcase their talents and potentially transform their lives,' the company states.
The X Factor returns on ITV this Saturday.
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