As an industry that heavily relies on a strong pipeline of talent, we have long advocated for robust financial incentives to help businesses across the industry such as brands, retailers and salons overcome recruitment barriers. The hair and beauty sector contributes £28.3 billion to the UK economy and represents a critical entry point into the workforce for young people across the country, with 1 in 3 of its workforce under the age of 30 according to Value of Beauty report data.

The British Beauty Council is urging hair, beauty, and wellness businesses of all sizes, from high street salons to major beauty brands, to take advantage of the scheme.

How employers can apply

To qualify for the funding, job placements must provide a minimum of 25 hours of work per week, last for at least four months (16 weeks), and pay the National Minimum or Living Wage. The role must also be a genuine, new vacancy.

The scheme is open to organisations of all sizes, including sole traders intending to hire staff, and can be combined with existing apprentice hiring incentives. Employers will be prompted to complete a short online application. 

Local jobcentres then identify eligible young jobseekers and matchmake them with the employer.

Once a candidate is hired, the Department for Work & Pensions will verify employment and earnings (within 10 working days) which will trigger the funding process.

The £3,000 funding is issued as a £1,800 initial payment after the first six weeks of employment, with a final payment of £1,200 paid after 18 weeks, provided the grant conditions continue to be met. Full details and guidance can also be found via this helpful guide.

Speaking of the incentive, Victoria Brownlie MBE, Chief of Policy & Sustainability says, “We are really hopeful that the new Youth Jobs Grant will be a positive step in helping young people get back into work as well as support businesses who have struggled with the cost of employment in recent years. The British Beauty Council has been campaigning hard for greater, tangible support for businesses, and this £3,000 incentive is most definitely a step in the right direction.”

“Our industry thrives on the passion and creativity of the next generation. By easing the financial pressure of onboarding and training, this grant will empower beauty businesses up and down the country to unlock new opportunities and nurture the future stars of British beauty.”

The British Beauty Council has also helped to secure further support as part of the Government’s Youth Guarantee, which will be launched in the coming months. 

This includes:   

1. The Jobs Guarantee which will guarantee a six-month paid job for up to 25 hours a week, at minimum wage for every eligible 18-24-year-old who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months, with the government covering 100% of employment costs.   
2. A new £2,000 incentive for non-levy paying businesses in England recruiting a 16-24-year-old, from October 2026. Employers could receive further incentives, including £1,000 for recruiting apprentices under 19 or 19–24-year-olds with an EHCP or who have been/ are in care.

Further information on how to apply for these schemes will be made available once published.