Aimed at gathering evidence from salons, barbershops, beauty businesses and aesthetics clinics across the UK.
Published:The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has launched a new employer survey aimed at gathering evidence from salons, barbershops, beauty businesses and aesthetics clinics across the UK.
The State of the Sector: An Employer Survey is designed specifically for businesses that employ staff, as the NHBF ramps up discussions with the Treasury and the Low Pay Commission ahead of the Autumn 2026 Budget.
The launch follows the Government’s recent decision to introduce a temporary VAT cut for selected summer activities. A move the NHBF says demonstrates that Ministers recognise the role tax policy can play in supporting consumer-facing businesses, improving affordability and increasing high street footfall.
The organisation is now urging employers within the hair and beauty sector to make sure their voices are heard, particularly as many businesses continue to face mounting operational pressures.
The survey asks employers about trading conditions, staffing challenges, apprenticeships, wage costs, employer National Insurance Contributions, VAT, business rates, rent and wider business expenses.
According to the NHBF, the UK hair and beauty sector is made up of more than 50,000 businesses, supports over 178,000 jobs and generates more than £6.1 billion in turnover annually. However, many salon and clinic owners are continuing to operate under increasing financial strain, with rising costs affecting recruitment, pricing and long-term investment plans.
The NHBF says the findings will help shape its ongoing Respect Our Sector campaign and support future discussions with government, MPs and policymakers around taxation, employment costs, apprenticeships and business sustainability.
“Now is the time for hair, beauty and barbering employers to make their voices heard. While the Government’s recent VAT announcement shows Ministers recognise the role tax policy can play in supporting demand, affordability and high street footfall, our sector is still waiting for the same recognition despite clear evidence that current pressures are restricting growth and employment,”
– Sam Silver, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NHBF.
“Employers are not asking for special treatment, but for a fair environment that allows them to employ staff, train apprentices and invest in the future,”
– Sam Silver.
The survey is open to salons, barbershops, beauty salons, aesthetics clinics, multi-site operators and mixed-model businesses employing staff alongside self-employed contractors or renters.
The NHBF has also confirmed that additional surveys aimed at self-employed professionals and other business models will follow later this year.
Take part in the State of the Sector: An Employer Survey here: State of the Sector: An Employer Survey – Fill in form
For more info please visit NHBF website , or follow @nhbfsocial on Insta.
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