At HAHA Training, we are deeply concerned about the growing crisis facing hairdressers, barbers, and beauty professionals across the UK. This situation threatens apprenticeships, jobs, and the future of our high streets.
More Than Just a Haircut
This crisis isn’t simply about beauty services – it’s about safeguarding the livelihoods of 90,000 professionals who are being forced out of work by an unequal tax system. For the first time in history, over 500 high street salon owners recently protested to fight for their employees and apprentices whose jobs are at immediate risk.
Yes, this could include your own hairdresser, barber, or beauty professional.
Alarming Industry Facts
Recent data from CBI Economics paints a troubling picture:
- By 2027, we risk losing all apprenticeships in the industry, cutting off vital pathways for young people
- By 2030, predictions suggest only 3% of salons operating under employment models will remain
- Two-tier trading has already cost taxpayers £2.4 billion in VAT alone – money that funds public services
- Apprenticeships have plummeted by 82% since pre-COVID levels
- Salons still struggle with £266 million in COVID debt, despite government claims of recovery
- The economy stands to lose between £8.6-14.4 billion in lifetime productivity as apprentices lose opportunities
- Salons face taxes three times higher than other high street retailers, as 60% of costs in employed salons come from labor
Beyond Business: Community Impact
Hair and beauty establishments are more than businesses – they’re community sanctuaries offering solace and support. These professionals help nurture our self-esteem and provide a listening ear when needed. The collapse of this industry would leave high streets barren and tens of thousands jobless.
The Solution: Split-Rate VAT
The industry is asking for a split-rate VAT system where services (which account for 60% of employed salons’ costs) would be taxed at 10%. This approach has proven successful in countries like Ireland and the Netherlands.
Without this change, we face:
- A generation of young people unable to train in their chosen profession
- Salon owners losing their businesses and homes
- Reduced standards and potential safety risks for consumers
- Continued loss of high street footfall and community wellbeing
The Gender Impact
With 84% of hairdressing professionals being women, this crisis disproportionately affects female employment. Hairdressing salons remain one of the few reliable footfall generators for high streets, making their survival crucial for local economies.
How You Can Help
At HAHA Training, we believe in the future of professional hair and beauty services. We urge you to:
- Sign the petition to create a level playing field through tax reform
- Support your local professional salons and practitioners
- Share this information to raise awareness about the crisis
- Advocate for mandatory professional registration to maintain standards
Together, we can help save our salons, protect jobs, preserve apprenticeships, and secure the future of the British high street.
This post is based on information provided by Collette Osborne and Salon Owners United. For more information, watch their video: Save Our Salons
#SaveOurSalons #SaveJobs #SaveApprentices
