Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 19 October to Question 33553, what evidence his Department would consider in determining whether to introduce mandatory registration for hairdressers and barbers; which Minister has responsibility for this policy area; and whether he plans to meet representatives of the Hair and Barber Council to discuss evidence relating to consumer safety, unlawful business practices and trends in apprenticeships.

We have no current plans for additional regulation for hairdressers and barbers but remain open to evidence. The Hairdressers Registration Act 1964 provides for a UK register of qualified hairdressers and barbers, through voluntary registration. Businesses are subject to a range of existing requirements, including health and safety and consumer protection legislation. As the Minister responsible for this industry, my officials and I regularly engage the Hair and Barber Council to discuss these matters, including through the Personal Care Services roundtables which I chair.