Beauty and Wellbeing Sector Workforce

Pays tribute to the hon. Member for Swansea East for her work highlighting the hair and beauty sector's challenges during the pandemic; emphasizes that the sector is not 'just' anything but a thriving industry providing training, employment, and opportunities for women to become entrepreneurs; mentions £28 billion value of the sector and its role in giving women confidence to return to the workplace; calls for a separate VAT code for the beauty sector similar to hospitality's; highlights need for better regulation and accreditation within the industry. Quickly responded that promoting apprenticeships is important, and asked for specifics on the work being done with the Department for Education to promote them in the sector.

Jessica Morden paid tribute to the hair, beauty and therapeutic businesses in Newport East that have been hit hard during the pandemic. She mentioned specific challenges faced by these businesses, including reduced turnover of 45% compared to 2019 and an average cash loss of £17,000 per business over the VAT threshold. Morden highlighted the importance of the beauty sector as a significant contributor to the economy with over £30 billion in contribution and over 500,000 employees.

Mr. Shannon highlighted the importance of the beauty and wellbeing sector, noting its economic contribution of £9.2 billion annually in Britain. He shared personal experiences from his constituency where many businesses struggled due to covid-19 restrictions, with some closing down despite government support. The speaker emphasised the need for continued financial assistance beyond furlough's end, particularly addressing recruitment challenges and apprenticeships. Asked if the Government intends to support hair and beauty salons in employing apprentices as part of workforce development initiatives.

Mr. McNally highlighted the financial and mental strain experienced by beauty sector workers during the pandemic, citing inadequate government support and delayed financial announcements as major issues. He emphasized the importance of employer pastoral care roles in supporting staff wellbeing amidst high stress levels. Additionally, he noted that the lack of certainty regarding furlough regulations contributed to increased anxiety among both employers and employees.

Ms Cummins highlighted the importance of the beauty and wellbeing sector, especially for women-owned businesses in her constituency. She noted that despite contributing up to £30 billion to the economy, the industry faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with business closures and a decline in newly qualified professionals joining the field. She emphasised the need for better regulation to ensure consistent training standards across all practitioners.

Discussed the importance of the beauty and wellbeing sector, noting its economic contribution to GDP and tax revenues. Highlighted challenges faced by the industry during the pandemic, including permanent closures and job losses among self-employed workers. Raised concerns about future financial stability for salon owners and the need for flexible debt repayment plans. The Minister has not explained why furlough support has not been extended in line with public health measures despite the extension of restrictions. This mismatch leaves vulnerable businesses paying more than their revenues can cover, which is a matter of concern for employers across constituencies.