The benefits of taking on an apprentice in your salon

There are numerous benefits of taking on an apprentice at the moment so it is an ideal time to do so, explains NHBF director of quality and standards Caroline Larissey. Coronavirus hasn’t gone away yet, but hair salons are back in business and now is a good time to start planning for the future again – including taking on an apprentice or a new employee. “The government is keen to kickstart the economy and as part of this, it is offering an extra incentive to businesses in England that take on an apprentice,” says NHBF director of quality and standards Caroline Larissey.

Benefits of taking on an apprentice in your salon

For each new apprentice taken on between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021 salons will receive an incentive payment of up to £2,000. “This money is in addition to the existing £1,000 payment the government already provides for new 16-18-year-old apprentices and those aged under 25 with an education, health and care plan,” explains Caroline.

New incentive payments

 “For apprentices aged 16-24 the payment will be £2,000, and for apprentices aged 25 or over the payment will be £1,500. Claims can be made through the apprenticeship service from 1 September 2020,” says Caroline. “The benefit of taking on an apprentice is that it's a win-win,” she adds. “Your business will benefit from new talent and you’ll get the opportunity to pass on your experience and skills.”

New employment laws

“If you’re thinking about taking on a new employee in the near future, you will need to catch up with new laws that came into force during lockdown,” explains NHBF director Tina Beaumont-Goddard. “For example, since April 2020, a new employee must be given a written statement that includes all the terms and conditions of their job on the first day of their employment.” NHBF contracts are free to NHBF members and cover all recent updates in employment law. “There are also new laws that will apply to your existing staff,” says Tina. “For example, Jack’s Law came into force in April 2020, giving parents who lose a child the right to two weeks’ bereavement leave." “Annual leave rules have also been temporarily changed in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. Employees can now carry over up to four weeks’ paid leave (20 days for those who are full-time) from their current leave year into the next two annual leave years. This is to ensure that employees who could not take their statutory annual leave due to Coronavirus will not lose it.” Find out more about new employment law at nhbf.co.uk.

Get backup and support

Members can call the NHBF’s friendly membership team for everyday advice about employment or apprenticeship issues. The NHBF employment law line is available 24/7 for more diffcult issues. Find out more about the legal advice here and find detailed information about apprenticeships in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Join the NHBF before the end of September 2020 and quote HJS25 to get £25 off your membership fee. Join the NHBF here or call 01234 831965. For all the latest news, views and information follow the NHBF at @nhbfsocial. This is a sponsored post from NHBF