The government’s response to the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices has left the hairdressing industry disappointed, say the NHF. The imbalance on National Insurance Contributions that are paid by employers for employees working in their salons, but not for self-employed workers, and the lower rate of NICs paid by those who are self-employed was raised by the review, but the government proposed no changes.
There were also no answers on the status of chair renters and what additional rights if any they would be entitled to under the review. Instead, the government focussed on giving greater rights to workers on zero hours contracts, agency workers and flexible workers who find jobs online or through an app.
There is to be a consultation on employment status and one on the enforcement of employment rights, and a crack down on employers who fail to pay fines imposed by Employment Tribunals, including ‘naming and shaming’ and much larger fines.
Hilary Hall, chief executive of the NHF said “Although it’s great news for people who are self-employed, we are obviously disappointed that changes to NICs have been ruled out. But the burning questions on employment status have not yet been answered, yet there could be far-reaching consequences for the hairdressing, barbering and beauty industries. We will be building on the campaigning work we have already done and actively participating in the consultations.”