The industry pulled together to show its support for tax reform.
Published:The peaceful protest organised by the British Hair Consortium, took place on March 17th in central London. Hairdressing and beauty salon owners gathered at London’s Parliament Square, in a bid to request that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will throw the sector an economic lifeline. It is hoped that the ‘Save Our Salons’ rally will get the attention of Government.
According to the British Hair Consortium, there will be no new apprenticeships by 2027 and a 93% fall in employment by 2030, as an unbalanced tax system is decimating the hair and beauty industry. Things need to change.
The British Hair Consortium says the Government must urgently halve the VAT salons pay on labour costs to 10% to help them overcome the existential crisis they’re facing.
“We won’t stand down and let our industry die. The support shown by our industry was incredible and I hope that we have gained the attention that we need to show Government that we need a lifeline. We need VAT reform and we’re not going to stop shouting for this to happen,”
– Toby Dicker from The British Hair Consortium.
For more information on The British Hair Consortium go to https://www.bhc.org.uk/
@britishhairconsortium #saveoursalons
NHBF explains the significant changes ahead following the government’s latest reforms.
Published:In a move that could reshape the sector’s workforce development, the Department for Education has announced the removal of English and maths functional skills exit requirements for adult apprentices, alongside a reduction in the minimum apprenticeship duration from 12 to eight months.
With the aim of breaking down barriers to entry, from February 11, 2025, businesses will be able to decide whether adult learners over 19 needs to complete level 2 English and maths qualifications to pass their apprenticeship.
“These reforms could mark a turning point for our sector. Many talented individuals who excel in practical skills but struggle with formal qualifications will now have the opportunity to pursue their passion in our sector. This could lead to a more diverse and skilled workforce, better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our clients,”
– Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair and Beauty Federation.
Although the reforms are welcome, faced with increasing apprentice minimum wages alongside the need for more robust employer incentives, there are however important concerns being raised about economic viability.
Extending beyond entry requirements, the End Point Assessments (EPAs) process will become more streamlined from April 2025.
Accelerated Career Paths
The reduction in minimum apprenticeship duration from 12 to eight months will take effect from August 2025 and offers new possibilities for rapid workforce development.
Administrative Improvements
Addressing existing administrative challenges faced by training providers in the beauty sector, from August 2025, the sector will benefit from simplified payment systems with the removal of data duplication requirements between the ILR and Apprenticeship Service submissions.
Advantages for Hair & Beauty Businesses
Maintaining Quality Standards
The Department for Education emphasises that apprentices will still be assessed on core skills relevant to their occupation, ensuring that the quality of service in the sector remains uncompromised.
Survive & Thrive Initiative
The NHBF has been actively addressing these challenges through its Survive and Thrive initiative. These proposals include specific recommendations for financial support mechanisms and incentives designed to make apprenticeships more sustainable for hair and beauty business owners.
For more information please visit NHBF.