A Private Member's Bill introduced by Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade would require hairdressers and barbers in England to register after a campaign with local barber Mike Taylor. A new bill could make registration compulsory for hairdressers and barbers across England in future. Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade introduced the Barbers and Hairdressers Registration Bill in Parliament after working with local barber Mike Taylor and the Hair and Barber Council on the campaign. The bill, which has had its First Reading in the House of Commons, would require people in the trad
A new bill could make registration compulsory for hairdressers and barbers across England in future.
Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade introduced the Barbers and Hairdressers Registration Bill in Parliament after working with local barber Mike Taylor and the Hair and Barber Council on the campaign.
The bill, which has had its First Reading in the House of Commons, would require people in the trade to register so customers can identify qualified professionals and legitimate businesses can be held to shared standards.
Supporters say the proposal responds to pressures on businesses, falling apprenticeship numbers and concerns about barbershops that may be operating outside the law, with campaigners arguing registration would improve accountability across the sector.
Ms Slade said hairdressers and barbers are "skilled professionals" who matter to communities and high streets, and said registration would help raise standards while supporting training routes for the next generation.
Mike Taylor, founder of Bond’s Barbers, said registration should protect the public and legitimate firms through "verified competence, insurance and hygiene" rather than become a voluntary badge that rogue operators can ignore.
