4 mins
NEWS
No reduction in VAT rate for hairdressers in Budget 2025
The Irish Government has announced Budget 2025. Despite intense campaigning, the 13.5%
VAT rate for the hospitality sector has not been reduced. Hairdressers are included in this sector and the Irish Hairdressers Federation and the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) were among the organisations that lobbied for a return to the lower rate of 9%. Habic expressed its disappointment with the decision.
The minimum wage is to rise by 80 cents per hour to €13.50. This is less than the €1 that was recommended by the Low Pay Commission.
There are a number of tax changes in Budget 2025. The point at which people pay the higher rate of tax of 40% is to increase from €42,000 to €44,000 to take account of rising wages. The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show wages are rising at 5% per annum.
The Universal Social Charge (USC) rate of 4% is to be reduced to 3%, which is the second consecutive reduction to this rate.
Other measures in the Budget include a €4,000 Power Up Grant for commercially rateable premises for the cost of electricity. And the Small Benefit Exemption has increased from €1,000 to €1,500. This allows an employer to provide limited non-cash benefits or rewards to their workers, without the payment of income tax, PRSI and USC.
Calls to ban sunbeds in Ireland
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has backed calls to ban sunbeds in Ireland, after a recent survey showed that a significant proportion of the Irish population continues to use sunbeds, despite knowing the health risks associated with misuse.
The research, which was carried out by Cork-based doctors and researchers, found that almost half of the people surveyed said they have used sunbeds, despite knowing the risks that excessive use can have, and many who sunbathe believe it is worth getting ‘slightly sunburned’ in order to get a tan.
Out of the participants, 10.6% had used a sunbed in the year up to December 2020, with an average of eight sessions each. While almost 80% said they know what to do to avoid getting sunburnt, 49% said they sunbathe.
Nearly 70% said that they feel and look better with a tan. The most common reason (44.9%) for not using sunscreen is because it is ‘inconvenient’.
The largest of its kind in Ireland, the study was led by senior author Professor Michelle Murphy at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital and University College Cork, with 1,043 people taking part.
The Grafton Barber opens its 60th branch
The Grafton Barber has opened its 60th branch in Dublin Airport.
Located in Terminal 1 Arrivals, it is open seven days a week, offering a walk-in service, along with online booking options via Booksy.
An Irish family-owned business, The Grafton Barber was founded in 1961 by Hugh McAllister Sr, and is now run by his sons Hugh and Conor.
The opening of the new branch marks the return of barbering services to Dublin Airport after a 30-year absence.
“This is a great addition to the offering available to passengers in the terminals,” said Gary McLean, managing director of Dublin Airport.
“We listen closely to passenger feedback and know that being able to get a haircut in the airport, either before or after a flight, is going to prove really popular. It is something that we’ve continually heard that passengers would like to be able to get while visiting the airport.”
IN BRIEF
■ Thérapie Clinic is set to open 65 new clinics across Ireland and the UK over the next three years, creating 1,000 jobs. The Irish-owned, family-run business was founded over 20 years ago and now has more than 70 clinics throughout Ireland, the UK and the US. Earlier this year it opened its biggest clinic to date in Galway. “Our unwavering commitment to safe, effective and accessible treatments has fuelled our growth,” said Phillip McGlade, CEO of Thérapie Clinic. “We are excited to expand our footprint across Ireland and the UK, creating 1,000 jobs over the next three years, while continuing to serve clients with the highest standards of care and most advanced treatments.”
■ The Irish Hairdressing Council has launched an online networking event aimed at salon owners, stylists, educators, suppliers and other industry professionals. Irish Hairdressing Council Connects will take place on the second Monday of every month at 7pm. With a mission to help the industry to come together, learn from one another and foster supportive connections, the event is free and all are welcome. The organisation said it wants the monthly meeting to be a place where everyone can help to shape the future of the industry. Anyone wishing to attend Irish Hairdressing Council Connects can register prior to the meeting and will receive a link.
■ Voya has entered into a new partnership with Emirates to supply exclusive eau de toilette fragrances to the airline’s business and first class passengers. The Irish company, which is headquartered in Co Sligo, already supplies the airline with shampoos, conditioners, body washes, hand creams and other cosmetic products. Voya was founded in 2006 by Mark and Kira Walton, and has since evolved into a global lifestyle brand. The new Emirates scents are the first eau de toilette fragrances that Voya released. “This is a remarkable achievement for a small Irish company and a wonderful example of the global impact an indigenous business can have,” said Anita Thomas, Emirates’ country manager for Ireland.
This article appears in the NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 Issue of Professional Beauty & HJ Ireland
If you would like to view other issues of Professional Beauty & HJ Ireland, you can see the full archive
here.
This article appears in the NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 Issue of Professional Beauty & HJ Ireland