Hairdressers accuse politicians of 'sexism' as they say industry's pleas for tax cuts are ignored

Hairdressers have accused politicians of ‘sexism’, claiming their calls for a VAT cut at the Budget are being ignored. Ministers are not listening because of the high proportion of women working in the sector, which is facing a 'crisis', while more male-dominated sectors have received support, say salon owners. More than 2,000 salon industry professionals have signed a letter calling on the Government to take immediate action to prevent further business closures and job losses by halving VAT to 10 per cent.Higher taxes have pushed salons to turn to self-employed models, where hairdressers 'rent a chair' in a salon. The sector also says its traditional role of offering young people their first jobs sweeping up hair or learning as an apprentice is in peril.Hellen Ward, who runs a salon with her husband that has styled the Princess of Wales's hair, said she was ‘extremely concerned as to why the Government repeatedly ignores our female-dominated sector.’ Hairdressers say that it is unfair hospitality has received help with their costs while salons are also strugglingWard, who is also co-founder of the Salon Employers Association and the vice president of the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs, said: ‘We are one of the largest employers of women in our industry. Hospitality seems to get far more support, so it does make one question whether it’s jobs for the boys?’Around 84 per cent of those employed in the industry are women, according to research by CBI Economics.The sector lost 21,400 jobs in the profession last year – nearly a quarter of its employees and the highest of any profession, according to analysis conducted on behalf of the British Hair Consortium.And the industry claims that salon apprenticeships have plummeted by 70 per cent since 2025 and are now forecast to ‘completely disappear’ over the next few years.Hairdressers suffer from higher labour costs Jo Moulton, who runs Sorella salon with her sister in Knaphill, Surrey, told This is Money: ‘If we were a predominantly male industry, would the government have allowed employment and apprenticeships to deteriorate for this long without intervening? I don't think they would.’She says she has been struggling with the ‘sky high’ cost of employing following sharp increases to employers’ National Insurance contributions and wages after the 2025 Budget.Cost pressures mean she has had to hire two apprentices this year instead of three, as well as offering them fewer hours.Employment in the sector is also being penalised and means that salons who use self-employed staff can undercut firms like hers, she says.‘You could have a self‑employed person that doesn't have to charge 20 per cent VAT and doesn't have to pay employer National Insurance, and they can charge so much less.’Salons can 'revive the High Street' Urging the Chancellor to take action at this month’s Budget, Moulton said salons can be key to the push to revive High Streets and boost youth employment.There were 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 who were not in employment, education or training (NEET), in June, according to official figures.And the industry is well placed to help as it is resistant to changes in the job market due to the rise of Artificial Intelligence. ‘You can’t AI a hair cut,’ Moulton said.Moulton added: ‘I kind of just feel like nobody's really listening. This is a crisis, and if something isn't done now, it's going to be too late.‘I do think it's a bit make or break, this budget. If they can be bold and make some big decisions, it can save the sector.’It comes as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham this summer offered pubs and small live music venues a 20 per cent discount on their business rates from April 2027.In January, former Chancellor Rachel Reeves also announced a 15 per cent business rates discount for pubs and music venues – to the dismay of other High Street firms including hotels, salons and shops.Collette Osborne, owner of the Nottingham-based Hairven salon, added: 'Over 80 per cent of the people working in our industry are female, yet the only sector apparently being lined up for tax reform is hospitality. 'That’s left the majority of female salon owners and employees wondering "why are women not being taken seriously in business by the Labour Party - just how sexist are they", as it really feels like that.'A HM Treasury spokesperson said: 'Hair and beauty businesses play an important role in supporting jobs, apprenticeships and thriving high streets across the UK, which is why we're backing them through business rates reform, including a £4.3 billion support package to limit bill rises.'As has always been the case, decisions on tax are a matter for the Chancellor to set out at fiscal events, rather than routinely commenting on rumour, speculation or proposals.'DIY INVESTING PLATFORMSAJ BellAJ BellEasy investing and ready-made portfoliosHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing and investment ideasinteractive investorinteractive investorFlat-fee investing from £4.99 per monthFreetradeFreetradeInvesting Isa now free on basic planTrading 212Trading 212Free share dealing and no account feeAffiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. 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