National Hair And Beauty Federation Responds to the Kings Speech

‘Of key interest to the hair and beauty sector are the two bills on Employment Rights and Skills England. We look forward to working with the government to shape these and represent the sector’s views.

 

The sector has been a significant employer of young people over time. To be in a position to support the high street and community wellbeing in the future, small and micro businesses in the sector will need to be able to afford to take on apprentices and young people. We have seen a decline in sector employment over the last year and a reduction in the proportion of 16-24 year olds working in the sector. 

 

With rising wages dampening down recruitment intentions in the sector, we are keen to work with the government to find ways to respond to this. If the sector is to help the government achieve its growth ambitions, then it will be important that the reformed apprenticeship levy has the ability to support small and micro businesses more effectively.  

 

We also look forward to wider discussions on how small businesses will benefit from reduced energy bills through GB energy, plans and consultation around business rates reform and the shaping of the industrial strategy to the benefit of the sector.