The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has launched a survey urging beauty employers to provide vital cost evidence, ahead of the Autumn 2026 Budget.
The State of the Sector: An Employer Survey gathers critical economic evidence from hair, barbering, beauty and aesthetics businesses across the UK that employ staff.
The initiative comes after the Government announced a temporary summer VAT cut for selected activities. According to the NHBF, this temporary tax relief proves that Ministers recognize how VAT policy can successfully support consumer-facing businesses, improve affordability and drive high street footfall.
Why does this survey matter?
Across the UK, the hair and beauty sector remains an essential economic driver keeping local high streets alive. According to baseline NHBF data, the industry currently encompasses:
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50,400 individual businesses.
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178,178 people in active employment.
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£6.1 billion generated in annual turnover.
Despite these major economic contributions, a significant portion of operators are small employers with limited margins. Because businesses have little room to absorb escalating overheads, this survey provides a direct line for business owners to voice their challenges before further tax and wage laws are set.
What business pressures will the survey track?
The survey is open to the entire sector, but is specifically targeted at businesses that employ staff. This includes traditional salons, barbershops, aesthetics clinics, multi-site operators and mixed-model setups that combine employed staff with self-employed contractor chair renters.
The survey covers topics from general trading conditions and current recruitment challenges, to apprenticeship training pipelines and commercial overhead fluctuations.
Expert insight on the fight for fairer salon tax
Sam Silver, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NHBF, explains that the Government's recent summer tax policy has sharpened the immediate case for broader industry reform. Silver stresses that year-round high street businesses deserve the same fiscal considerations as seasonal sectors.
“Now is the time for hair, beauty and barbering employers to make their voices heard. While the Government’s recent VAT announcement shows Ministers recognise the role tax policy can play in supporting demand, affordability and high street footfall, our sector is still waiting for the same recognition despite clear evidence that current pressures are restricting growth and employment.
“Employers are not asking for special treatment, but for a fair environment that allows them to employ staff, train apprentices and invest in the future.
“If the government is prepared to use VAT policy to support consumer-facing industries, it must also listen to the businesses that keep high streets thriving year-round.”
How can you participate?
Make your voice heard by filling out the NHBF State of the Sector Employer Survey. Also discover how to increase your salon revenue or visit the official NHBF website.
The federation has also confirmed it will run targeted surveys for self-employed beauty professionals and alternative business structures shortly.
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