UK government reclassifies beauty, spa & hair services

The UK government has announced changes to the coding system by which beauty, spa, hairdressing and barber businesses are classified. 

Identifying the nature of each business enables the accurate collection of economic data by the Office for National Statistics and the wider Government Statistical Service.

The above services have historically been grouped together under ‘Other Service Activities', using the SIC 96020 – a Hairdressing and other beauty treatment. Dividing the sector into three categories reflects the diversity of the beauty, spa and hair sectors, under a new grouping: ‘Hairdressing, beauty treatment, day-spas and similar activities' (962) with three distinct categories: 

9621 – Hairdressing and barber activities

9622 – Beauty care and other beauty treatment activities

9623 – Day spa, sauna and steam bath activities

The ONS and Government Statistical Service is expected to implement the changes in phases over the coming years.

Following approval by the United Nations Statistical Commission, updates will also be made to the European (NACE) and international (ISIC) industry classifications.

Changes come about following years of government lobbying by industry bodies, including the British Beauty Council. 

Commenting on the action, Mille Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, said:

“This has been an issue close to my heart and a core focus of our work since the conception of the Council.

“The classifications were outdated and no longer represented the breadth of the multi-faceted industry. We have been told time and time again that it's near impossible to change how our industry is listed as it was a global coding system; but we persevered and developed a strong argument for change with the support of our stakeholders. This fantastic win will always be one of my proudest achievements. 

“While it has taken time, this reform represents a significant and practical way we can support hairdressing and beauty businesses in navigating their unique economic challenges.”