One quarter of beauty pros could be out of work following furlough scheme end

The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), has revealed that one quarter of beauty professionals could lose their jobs now that the UK government’s furlough scheme, set up to support businesses throughout the coronavirus lockdowns, has ended.

The scheme, which allowed workers to receive up to 80% of their wages while the coronavirus pandemic affected work, officially ended on 30 September 2021 – however according to Which, 14 October was the final day that employers could claim furlough pay for unworked hours in September.

By midnight on 14 September, 11.7 million employee jobs had been furloughed through the job retention scheme, and at the end of August, 1.32 million jobs (5% of eligible jobs) were still furloughed.

BABTAC revealed that 20% of beauty business owners will have to reduce their headcount and almost a quarter are considering reducing staff hours.

Lesley Blair

Lesley Blair, CEO & chairperson of BABTAC, commented: “Our members are telling us that with the furlough scheme ending there are real concerns about loss of earnings and increased redundancies.

“When you consider the size of the beauty industry in the UK, it is clear to see that the potential implication for the sector is huge.”

BABTAC encourages anyone that may be struggling to apply to the Beauty Backed Grant Programme. The initiative was founded by skincare expert Caroline Hirons and has made two grants available for beauty professionals.

Individuals whose plans to enter or continue a career in the beauty industry were ended because of the pandemic can apply for up to £5000 through a Start-up Grant.

Previously established businesses and freelancers that need extra support to recover from the effects of the pandemic can also apply for up to £5000 through a Support Grant.

Applicants can submit an online form via www.beautybacked.com. Find out more here.

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing (APPG) is also encouraging the government to support struggling beauty professionals, after publishing a Call to Action following its inquiry into the beauty sector’s recovery from Covid-19. It has made three recommendations to the government to allow the beauty industry to get back on its feet. Learn about the recommendations here.