Creative HEAD February 2020

#BusinessEdit
GET CYBER SAFE IN 2020
SALONS CAN WRONGLY ASSUME they
are too small be targeted by cybercriminals
as hackers can see them as an easy
target, says NHBF finance director
Kishon Mather.
He said that as the world celebrates
Safer Internet Day on 11 February, now
is the perfect time to assess your online
security. There are a number of steps you
can take to protect your systems, including
data backup, password protection,
securing mobile devices, and looking out
for phishing attacks (fake emails that ask
for bank details or link to scam websites).
Government figures showed that last year
80 per cent of UK businesses received
phishing emails.
He added: “It’s vital to remain vigilant
as a cyberattack could destroy your salon
computer system and lead to key data such
as banking and client details being used by
criminals to commit fraud.”
Find out more at nhf.info/cyber-threats
Employment law set
to change this April
FROM 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, says NHBF chief executive
Hilary Hall. “This is a change from the current law
which says you must do this within two months,”
she added.
The Queen’s Speech after the December
election last year also introduced a bill to protect
workers’ rights that includes greater redundancy
protection, extended leave for parents whose
babies need neonatal care, more flexible working
and ensuring tips are passed on in full.
The NHBF contracts and staff handbooks are
free to members and include all necessary terms
and conditions, visit nhf.info/contracts
GOV’T PLANS MASSIVE
LIVING WAGE INCREASE
“THE BIGGEST CASH increase ever” is how the government has described
planned increases to the National Living Wage (NLW). The rise to £8.72 for
over-25s is more than four times the rate of inflation. The National Minimum
Wage (NMW) is also set to increase.
NHBF chief executive Hilary Hall said: “We can expect higher than
inflation increases over the next five years. This will put further pressure on
salon finances as wages are such a high proportion of costs. We will continue
to work with government to ensure it supports small firms in our sector.”
From April 2021, the NLW will apply to those aged 23 and over. The
government plans to further reduce the qualifying age to 21 by 2025. The new
rates will be:
Wage increases from April 2020
National Living Wage (aged 25 and over)
National Minimum Wage, age 21 to 24
National Minimum Wage, age 18 to 20
National Minimum Wage, age 16 to 17
Apprentices*
£8.72 per hour
£8.20 per hour
£6.45 per hour
£4.55 per hour
£4.15 per hour
*An apprentice aged over 19 in the second year of their apprenticeship must receive the
age-appropriate NLW/NMW
What the Queen’s Speech
means for salon businesses
GOVERNMENT PLANS OUTLINED in the Queen’s Speech after the December election
could have a significant impact on the hair and beauty industry.
NHBF chief executive Hilary Hall said: “In good news for our industry, the government
said it will reform business rates to protect businesses such as salons. We also welcome
the government’s pledge to protect high streets from excessive tax hikes and to keep
our town centres vibrant.”
The government focus on Brexit and a new immigration system will mean EU citizens
who arrive after January 2021 will be treated similarly to non-EU citizens.
“Our industry can also expect more measures to protect the environment, which many
salons already support,” added Hilary. “The further investment in education and training,
including an extra £400 million for education for 16 to 19-year-olds, is also good news.”
Find out more at nhf.info/queens-speech
CREATIVE HEAD
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