EIGHT in 10 fashion industry creatives are being pressured to work for free, a survey by Bectu trade union revealed today.

Stylists, designers, hair and makeup artists, fashion assistants, tailors and photographers told of low — or no — pay, and toxic working environments.

Only one in 10 said they feel secure in their job, one in seven are paid on time for the work they do and half made less than £30,000 a year before tax from their work in the industry.

More than seven in 10 reported struggling with their mental health in the past year. And more than four in five said the industry tolerated behaviours that would be considered toxic and inappropriate in public life.

A freelance fashion assistant told the survey: “I’ve had shoes thrown at me, been told certain expenses will be covered and then had the client refuse to pay them. [I’ve worked] 16-hour days during London Fashion Week for as little as £100.”