Salon owners urge UK Chancellor to cut VAT on hair and beauty services to 10%

Over 2,000 salon owners have signed an open letter urging Chancellor John Healey to reduce VAT on hair and beauty services from 20% to 10% in the upcoming Budget. The British Hair Consortium backs the move, arguing rising business costs and a shift toward self-employed models are squeezing traditional employers. The letter warns that falling apprenticeship numbers and salon closures threaten the future of the high street industry.