Hairdressers Descend on Westminster to Protest Reeves’ Tax Overhaul

Hairstylists and salon proprietors have convened at Westminster to demonstrate their concerns.
Rachel Reeves
‘ ‘disastrous’ tax reforms.

The Hair and Barber Council claims this will be ‘the biggest protest regarding our sector in history.’

Hundreds of people took to the streets dressed in black outfits and flowing garments, with “SOS – Save Our Salons” written on the front.

They are calling for a tax rate of 10 percent on labor-based services and 20 percent on goods, aiming to help navigate the severe economic instability they anticipate facing.

The protestors could be seen performing the beauty service on the streets of
London
‘s capital in Parliament Square, with one sitting on a fold up seat and the other performing a hair cut.

They shouted “save our salons” and “we only ask for 10 percent, Rachel Reeves, don’t back down,” as they held up signs displaying the SOS motto “cut taxes now” and “fairness for hairstylists.”

The British Hair Consortium has called on the entire industry to unite and demonstrate its backing for tax reform.

Jane, who operates Elite salon in Hampshire, stated: “Our aim is to achieve a more just
VAT
The system should include a dual-rate Value Added Tax structure—a 10 percent tax on all services and a 20 percent tax on all goods—because this is essential for development and growth.

We face three times more impact due to our distinct sector. Unlike typical retailers, we primarily deal with labor expenses, which account for 60 percent of our total costs.

If this continues, we won’t be able to carry on.

The salon owner added
the effect of the October 2024 budget
has resulted in significant losses for businesses.

We have national insurance contributions, sky-high utility bills at present, and additionally, there’s VAT to consider.

If this continues, by 2027 businesses similar to mine won’t be taking on apprentices anymore. This means no fresh hires, and as a result, 93 percent of our sector could collapse since we can’t sustain operations under such financial strains with all the additional expenses.

“It’s truly unfortunate; our sector will simply deteriorate,” she said to GB News.

Owners of hair salons and beauty parlors are appealing to Chancellor Rachel Reeves for assistance.
provide the region with ‘an economic boost’,
The hairdressing and barbering sector trends were discussed in “How To Cut It,” as shared on Instagram.

A recently published report, funded by the British Hair Consortium and conducted by CBI Economics, has underscored the impact of an imbalanced taxation framework on the hair and beauty sector, indicating significant damage to this industry.

This indicates that without changes, there will be no new apprenticeships by 2027 and a 93 percent decrease in job opportunities by 2030.

The Hair and Barber Council stated: “Join us in participating in this day of action to demonstrate to those in authority the significance of our noble profession and the critical importance of tax reforms for safeguarding current employees’ livelihoods as well as ensuring opportunities for future generations of apprentices.”

Toby Dicker from The British Hair Consortium stated, “This presents an occasion for us to gain visibility and recognition. We should turn this into the largest demonstration our sector has ever undertaken, demonstrating to everyone how seriously we view the potential consequences of VAT reform on our whole industry.”

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