VALUE OF THE HAIR AND BEAUTY SECTOR TO THE UK ECONOMY

That this House recognises the economic value and impact of the hair and beauty sector to the UK economy; congratulates the Hair and Barber Council on the publication of its first UK-wide economic impact assessment report which shows the sector's value to the UK economy is up to £6.6 billion; notes that the sector employs almost 337,000 people across almost 50,000 businesses, increases social mobility, offers apprenticeships, provides economic opportunities for women and young people and fosters and promotes entrepreneurial skills; acknowledges that the sector has the greatest number of new stores opening on our high streets which generates footfall and keeps our town centres and communities alive; believes that for too long the industry has been undervalued and wrongly labelled as a low-skill and low-paid career path; and calls on the Government to do more to recognise the value of the hair and beauty industry by supporting the professionalisation of the sector and protecting consumers and employees through the introduction of mandatory state registration.