Industry responds as UK parliament mocks wellness and beauty sector

The UK spa, beauty and wellness industry is in uproar following a recent Prime Minister’s Question time where the urgent matter of reopening the sector reduced MPs to laughter.

William Wragg, MP for Hazel Grove began by saying: “Given the state of us, my right honourable friend, the Prime Minister and I will be among the socially-distanced queues as barbers and hairdressers reopen this weekend.

“But, neither of us is likely to be queuing for an appointment at a beauty salon. Sadly, as much as it may be needed, neither will anyone else – as many of these much-loved businesses remain closed.”

Following a wave of laughter in the room, Wragg then asked whether Boris Johnson would review his decision to reopen the sector, including a salon in his constituency called Lush.

Johnson responded by joking about one day visiting a Lush beauty salon with Wragg, which was met with an eruption of laughter from MPs.

He continued: “It's a sad reality for these businesses that they cannot yet open in the way that they want to and I certainly share his (Wragg’s) sense of urgency. I know that beauty salons feel it across the country when they look at fairness in terms of hairdressers reopening before them.”

Johnson then repeated the need for facilities to open in a COVID-secure way and moved onto the next question.

The industry has been shocked by the lack of respect by the House and has seen many industry members publicly speak out against the event.

Helena Field, MD of Action Wellbeing, said: “Like so many in the spa, wellness and beauty industry I was appalled and upset by the mocking and belittling of our industry in parliament yesterday.

“Our clients come to us for care and kindness above all else, our professionals are unofficial counsellors, shoulders to cry on and give so much of their precious energy to selflessly help others.”

Spa Connectors founder, Kathryn Moore, commented: “What’s funny about a trillion-dollar industry being ignored?!”

This week the UKSA has continued the battle to receive a clear opening date from government, by urging industry members to send letters directly to the Prime Minister and their local MPs.

The trade body has also sent a letter to Boris Johnson signed by Spa Business, European Spa, Good Spa Guide Professional Beauty and Spa Life International to demand the reopening of the nation's spas.