15 Oct 2024
With the number of hairdressing apprenticeships declining by 70% over the last ten years the industry is facing increased difficulty in the recruitment and retention of staff
A recent article in the Guardian newspaper has highlighted the shortage of staff and recruitment crisis that a lot of salons are currently experiencing. The article cites figures that reveal that in England the number of trainees enrolling in hairdressing apprenticeships is down from 13,180 in 2015 to 4,160 in 2023 based on Department for Education numbers. 1,520 students completed their training in 2023 compared with 8,660 in 2015 a figure which has been described by the British Beauty Council chief executive as "tragic".
The reasons for the lack of apprenticeships are many. After the COVID pandemic the younger generation have turned their backs as professions that are perceived to be low paid and these professions are currently suffering from shortages of staff. Salons currently are waiting an average of 16 weeks to fill vacancies.
Another reason is that with the increase in rent, energy and general inflation costs hairdressing which was once seen as a lucrative profession is now perceived as a costly business. As a result of these factors the number of hair salons in Great Britain have fallen by 319 this year alone with the trend of closures showing no sign of slowing in direct contrast with the beauty industry which showed an increase of 1,000 salons and nail bars. Due to these factors and the VAT threshold of £90,000 there is little incentive for growth and salons are not expanding.
The third reason is that many school leavers are opting to go straight to college and are favouring full time college courses rather than the traditional apprenticeships that involve in salon training as well as college.
All the above reasons, as well as other factors have led to the current recruitment problems. The solution, according to the National Hair & Beauty Federation is to recognise the hair and beauty industry as a valid career option for young people and also recognise the importance of salons as social hubs that are beneficial to the local communities they serve. Having said that, the industry is facing an unprecedented time in it's history which may , if gone unchecked, result in fewer salons and longer waiting times for clients.
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