Get a refund of illegally taken - up-front fees - from 6 Apr 08 Now 'The Stage' highlights this change in agency regulations, click: http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/20344/equity-says-new-up-front-laws-not-tough So just to confirm... After 6 April 2008 it is illegal for work-seeking services, such as Spotlight, or employment agencies, to take up-front fees - on the day you sign up. Fees only allowed - after 7 day's... If the work-seeking service - banks the fee - prior to the end of the 7-day cooling off period; then that fee is taken illegally. Therefore, even a complaint exceeding one year may well be successful; in getting a complete refund of that (unlawful) fee...