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Personal Care Services: Self-employed

Asked by Dr Luke EvansConservativeDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and TradeTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 21848

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, if he will have discussions with hairdressing and beauty industry representatives on the potential impact of increasing levels of sector-based self-employment on the ability for employees to afford pension provision.

Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

The Government recognises the important contribution that hairdressing and beauty businesses make to the UK economy and local communities. We regularly engage with representatives from the sector through established forums, including the Personal Care Sector Roundtable, which I chair. These discussions provide an opportunity to hear directly from businesses and representative bodies on a range of issues affecting the sector, including workforce and employment matters.

Last year the Government revived the Pensions Commission to examine how to improve retirement outcomes for future generations, especially for those groups at the greatest risk of under-saving, including the self-employed. Its interim report, published on 19 May 2026, sets out the key challenges with the current system and priorities for its next phase of work. The Government looks forward to receiving the Commission's final report and recommendations in early 2027.

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