Hairdressers journal international launches end to modern slavery in salons campaign

The Professional Beauty Group, which includes Hairdressers Journal International and Professional Beauty, is launching a campaign to end modern slavery in salons and to celebrate salons who employ qualified staff and look after their teams within the workplace. The campaign is being launched following the shocking news that 39 people died last week while being illegally trafficked into the UK. As members of the hair and beauty industry we all know that some people who are trafficked into the UK end up working illegally in nail salons and are trapped into modern slavery, which needs to stop. It is unconfirmed that any of those who perished last week were destined for work in salons, however modern slavery is a nationwide problem in the wider hair and beauty industry. Most of us have thought “what could I do to tackle such a huge issue?” but lack of action has cost lives. Not doing anything encourages more individuals to take perilous journeys. At an industry level, the problem has meant reputable salons – nail salons in particular – can’t compete on price and choose to leave the industry altogether. Over time, this creates a gap that could ultimately make the problem worse. Many hair salons employ nail technicians or offer beauty services to their clients, so it is important for hair professionals to stand alongside our beauty professional counterparts to promote qualified well-paid teams who feel supported within the salon workplace. Many beauty organisations are lobbying for mandatory licensing, which is an excellent end goal, but results will take time so we hope Professional Beauty Group’s new campaign will help to create awareness amongst consumers and with those who are in a position to kickstart a positive change. The aim is to provide a series of posters for salon owners and qualified professionals to spread a positive message such as: “Make sure you always visit a team that’s properly qualified”. Can you suggest a phrase that can get the message across? Have you got any other ideas that can be put into practice now? Let us know via our feedback form here. The Professional Beauty Group will also be reaching out to all interested parties in the hair and beauty sector to help promote legitimate businesses – brands, as well as industry bodies and the charities that have been working with the government on this issue. It’s time to show your support for ending modern slavery in salons. Sign up here to support our campaign.