REGISTRATION OF HAIRDRESSERS

That this House notes that 245,000 people work in the hairdressing industry representingone per cent. of the working population; further notes that the National Hairdressing Council was established by the Hairdressers (Registration) Act 1964 and that all major hairdressing trade bodies are now campaigning for the compulsory registration of all hairdressers with the full support of industry leaders Andrew Barton, Trevor Sorbie and George Hammer; believes that with compulsory registration standards of professionalism within the hairdressing industry will be raised; further believes that it is dangerous to allow unqualified individualsto apply hazardous chemicals to customers' hair without proper training and, whilst customers can seek recourse through the civil courts for any mistakes, this does not prevent those responsible continuing to practise; and urges the Government to amend the Hairdressers (Registration) Act 1964 to include compulsory registration of all hairdressers and the ability of the National Hairdressing Council to strike off those who do not practise in a professional manner.