The Irish Hairdressing Federation state government policy changes have gravely affected mental health

The Irish Hairdressing Federation (IHF) has today (Sunday, 11th February) released the findings of a survey of its members following recently introduced government policy measures. The key findings of this survey, which took place in the past three weeks, highlights a myriad of grave concerns that its members fear. Principle amongst them are the rise in labour costs, the extension of debt warehousing scheme and increased VAT rate of 13.5%.

The IHF President Lisa Eccles said: 'The survey’s findings make a harrowing reading as the Governments newly introduced legislation has had a seismic effect on many peoples businesses bottom lines.'

She went onto say: 'Many members are gravely concerned as to the impact this 1stJanuary legislation has had on cash flow for purchases and wages. Many members are fearful of their future and face having to let staff go or close up completely.'

The biggest burden highlighted in the survey is the newly introduced legislation, is the increasing entitlement to paid sick leave for their employees. In the past two years, five additional paid sick days have been added to the cost burden for employers.

The lingering VAT rate of 13.5% continues to upset its members and appeals to government to return it to 9% in order for the businesses to continue to trade. Many members are fearful of the continuing soaring energy costs, various rising costs of products that narrow profit margins. The survey also highlighted members commitment to avoid increasing prices on its customer base that are overburdened with of the cost of living.

One member stated in the survey that she has ten staff in her salon, which is an extra 50 paid sick leave days annually that she will have to find additional staff to cover for apart from paying for the sick leave.

Other members found grave difficulty in managing their cash flow and breaking even. Another member found it difficult to maintain 'the high standard of work all the time due to revolving staff numbers.'

Many members of the IHF had also stated in the survey how the stress of these policy changes had gravely affected their mental health. Speaking on the issue, Lisa Eccles voiced her concern that the 'Government needs to urgently take into account the untold stress and trauma they are putting small business owners under. As independent salon owners these increased burdened measures are deeply affecting their mental health.'

The IHF President Lisa Eccles said that 'we would like to urgently meet An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, Government Ministers Michael McGrath TD, Simon Coveney TD, and Neale Richmond TD to highlight the impact of this and future legislation is having amongst businesses in her sector.'

The Irish Hairdressing Federation is the representative body for Irish salon owners representing over 500 salon owners nationwide.