Responding the Chancellor’s ‘Winter Economy Plan’ outlined today, Co-Chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing, Carolyn Harris MP and Judith Cummins MP, said:

While we welcome the Chancellor’s intentions in his Winter Economy Plan to retain jobs and support businesses, we are disappointed that a VAT reduction for hospitality and tourism was not offered to the hair, beauty, spa and wellness sector. This is urgently needed.

We are particularly concerned about the serious impact that the ongoing restrictions and local lockdowns are having on businesses and individuals working in the sector, as the Chancellor has not set out adequate financial support to ensure they are able to survive.

The Government must remember that hair, beauty, spa and wellness businesses are the beating heart of our high streets and local communities across the country and directly employ 370,000 people, predominantly women. The APPG will keep fighting of behalf of the industry until it receives the financial support it desperately needs.