23/10/2020
It's time to take a stand. Today sees the launch of – a campaign to ask the government to cut the VAT level for hair salons and barbershops from 20 percent down to 5 percent, just as they have done for the hospitality industry.⠀
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Alongside the heartbreak of further localised lockdowns, some of you guys are down a massive 80 percent when it comes to client numbers, while still managing the huge overheads of running a bricks and mortar business. It's estimated 10 percent of UK salons have already closed following lockdown, and 43 percent of salon and barbershop owners don't know if they will be able to survive the winter without financial help.⠀
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So here's the thing. According to EU guidelines, the UK hairdressing industry CAN have its VAT cut from 20 percent down to 5 percent... but it hasn't happened. And we know that that extra 15 percent of cash in your pocket is significant, especially as the salon sector survives on relatively small margins, given those aforementioned overheads. That extra 15 percent could potentially winter-proof some of your businesses, which – despite our bias – are undoubtedly some of the best-loved in your local communities.⠀
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You can read all about the campaign in today's newspaper (the online version is linked in our bio, too). Some familiar faces and some of the industry's landmark names have spoken up about why this VAT cut is SO needed, and they are ready and willing to give as much detail as they can on the financial impact to our sector to the treasury. Add your voice in the comments below, and please share this post across your accounts too. Together, let's do all we can to help hairdressers remain the beating heart of our nation's high streets and big cities.
