An employment or recruitment agency must not charge a fee for finding you work or trying to find you work (except the entertainment sector). The Employment Agencies Act 1973 and The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 prevents agencies from charging or seeking to charge individuals to find work for them.
However, the agency can charge you for other services which may include CV writing, workshops, training, uniforms, help with transport etc. The agency must not make you buy any of the services in return for finding you work. More information can be found here
Should a recruitment agency charge you for additional services, these must be made clear in writing as to what they are. This should also include your right to cancel or withdraw from the services.
Your agreement with the agency should also include how much notice you must give if you cancel or withdraw from service.
