Hairdresser in appeal to ‘save’ sector
APOPULAR city centre hairdresser is joining a nation-wide campaign calling for an immediate tax cut on hair and beauty in order to “save” the sector during the coronavirus crisis.
Alan Edwards – who owns the Alan Edwards Salon in Merchant City – has warned numerous salons in Glasgow could go under if further government support is not secured during the pandemic.
Mr Edwards said: “We are fortunate enough that we have an established clientele. For many salons though, right now will be a difficult time. To see so many hairdressers closing around us is heartbreaking. The pandemic has had a massive impact on the industry and without help, I don’t think it will get any better.”
The Save Our Salons campaign is asking for VAT on all haircuts to be trimmed back from the current 20% to 5% as it warns businesses could fold without extra financial help.
For hairdressers like Alan Edwards, the cut would mean funds otherwise paid to the taxman could go towards preserving jobs and businesses.
Mr Edwards said: “What most salons are seeing right now is that they are probably only just breaking even. If they are forced to close their doors for good, the social impact thereafter is massive.
“If you think about employment alone, the sector is mainly female-led. That’s hundreds of women out of jobs.
“The majority of salons in Glasgow also give apprenticeships and employment skills to those wanting to break into the industry, so any closure results in lost opportunities.
“We also bring a lot of footfall into Glasgow that benefits the city centre. If our clients aren’t travelling in to get their hair done, other businesses around us are then impacted.”
Having been closed for the majority of 2020, Mr Edwards joins the cause after recognising a 50% loss in turnover in the past year alone.
He said: “That is a significant impact on business. It is no surprise so many salons are left with no other choice but to close.
“When a salon is asked to shut down, it still has all of its outgoings such as rent, council tax and insurance so there will undoubtedly be a lot of hairdressers falling into a lot of debt at the moment. Hopefully, if the VAT is reduced, it can help the industry to recover.
“During the pandemic, our sector has been overlooked in how much it means to people’s wellbeing. If you feel good about yourself on the outside, you feel good about yourself on the inside, too.”
The hospitality and tourism industries received a similar VAT cut in July, which wasn’t extended to hairdressers and beauty. Save Our Salons argue they have been hit even harder as they have had no opportunity to keep money coming in.
The UK Government was contacted for comment.