Hairdressers and barbers have never been so valued, in the past 3 months we have truly understood the positive impact that hairdressers and barbers have on our lives. They are soundboards for many and so often provide a self-confidence boost to their clients.
Sadly, there has been a steady decline in the number of people working in hair, with a sharp fall in the number of hair apprentices. This decline is mainly due to the assumption that many believe working in hair is low skilled with low levels of progression.
There is also another element that will harm the hairdressing industry. On the 1st of January 2021, the Governments Immigration Bill is set to replace free movement from EU states with a revised points-system for EU workers coming to the UK.
Potential incomers will have to have 70 points before they can enter the country, along with a confirmed job offers and the ability to speak English. Points are gained for earning at least £26,000, working a ‘skilled’ job, working a profession the UK has a shortage of and having a relevant PhD.
How does this new bill affect hairdressing? Average hairdressing salaries fall under the £25K threshold, and as the profession is currently classed as low-skilled. The bill will almost certainly reduce the flow of foreign hairdressers coming to the UK, many salons in the UK rely on these hairdressers to meet client demand.
British Beauty Council will work to campaign at Government level to re-classify hairdressing as a highly-skilled occupation.
To kick things off our colleagues at Creative HEAD have created a Recruitment and Immigration survey to hear from salon owners.
Help us push for change within the industry by filling in the survey via the link below.
https://creativeheadmag.com/lets-push-for-change/
