26 September 2023

Richard Lambert steps down as NHBF chief executive

After more than 21 years as a chief executive in three different trade associations, Richard Lambert, chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has decided to retire from full time work to pursue other interests, and so will step down at the end of September.

Amanda Lodge-Stewart, NHBF president said, “We are grateful for all the hard work that Richard has dedicated to the NHBF and wish him all the best in his future ventures.”

The new chief executive will be announced in October.

 

Are you ready for the single-use plastics ban?

From 1 October 2023 in England only, there will be additional bans and restrictions on single-use plastic items. Further guidance for businesses on the new regulations can be found on GOV.UK. You can also download the poster to find out more.

The upcoming ban includes polystyrene cups and food containers, single-use plastic cutlery and single-use balloon sticks. There will also be a restriction to the supply of single-use plastic trays and bowls to members of the public, although businesses can continue to supply these items if they are used as packaging in shelf-ready pre-packaged food items. 

How to prepare for the single-use plastics ban:

The government response to the consultation on these bans, published in January, set out that these restrictions would be introduced from October 2023 instead of April 2023, giving businesses more time to prepare. 

Businesses will need to use up existing stock and find alternative substitutes or reuse solutions by 1 October 2023.

This ban compliments the existing restrictions on other single-use plastic items including plastic straws, cotton buds drink stirrers and our carrier bag charge.

 

Second 2023 to 2024 Cost of Living Payment dates announced

Millions of households across the UK will receive £300 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November.

This is the second of 3 payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits, in 2023 to 2024, and eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 payment later this year as an addition to the Winter Fuel Payment.

The £300 Cost of Living Payment will be sent out automatically and directly to recipients, meaning those eligible do not need to apply, contact the Government, or take any action to receive it. This includes tax credits-only customers who will receive the payment from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between 10 and 19 November 2023.

Click here for further information. 

 

New Fire Safety Legislation

From 1 October 2023, new fire safety legislation comes into effect. This will mean that many businesses and building owners need to check if and how this affects them to ensure they are complying with the regulations. 

The main changes are: 

  • All businesses will need to record a fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangements in full – regardless of the number of employees, and size or type of business. 
  • There are increased requirements for cooperation and coordination between Responsible Persons in multi-occupied buildings or those where the occupier and owner are not the same person. 
  • In residential buildings with two or more domestic premises, residents must be provided with information on the risks of fire and the fire safety measures provided to keep them safe.

For further information please select the following link Fire safety responsibilities under Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022: guidance | GOV.WALES 

 

Self-employed feel trapped as incomes stagnate

Around two in five self-employed workers would switch to a salaried job if they could secure the same income, and around one in eight would accept a 20% pay cut to switch, a new analysis reveals. Stagnant incomes and rising costs are also having an impact on the wellbeing of the self-employed, say the authors of “The self-employment trap”, published by the Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

The report reveals that more than a quarter of those surveyed are experiencing “moderate” or “severe” mental health issues compared with 16% of the general population. While not being able to find a salaried job at similar pay is the main reason given for being unable to switch, the self-employed also cite concerns about having a lack of skills or training, few job openings and feeling too old.

The study comes after previous research showing an exodus from self-employment, as incomes failed to recover after the pandemic. This latest report, the seventh in the series showing how self-employed workers are faring, reveals that 34% are having trouble paying for basic expenses – a proportion that has shown no change since August 2020. As in the sixth report, energy bills are cited as the most challenging issue.

 

Cash is still King

A survey conducted by Bira has shown that cash is still king on the high street. Hundreds of retailers gave their views on using cash, with most saying they would continue accepting notes and coins despite the rise in cards and digital payments.

For the full story, click here

 

Campaigning for you – Meeting with the Minister

Rosina Robson, the NHBF’s Director of Policy & Public Affairs met the Minister responsible for the Personal Care sector, Kevin Hollinrake MP, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business along with other members of the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) on Monday.

Rosina raised the issue of the continuation of the 75% Retail discount to business rates beyond April 2024, ahead of the Autumn Statement on 22 November. She underlined how valuable the support was to retail businesses including the hair & beauty sector and asked the Minister to help influence HM Treasury around their priorities for future government spending. The Minister said that he had already made representations to HM Treasury and recognised the importance of both the discount and freezing the multiplier in the future too. The NHBF is preparing a submission to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Statement in November. Senior civil servants from the Department for Business & Trade were not able to say at this stage exactly what options the Treasury was considering but urged organisations to share their submissions and recommendations with DBT.