Overview
- Barbers and salons across the UK say they are refusing service to Labour MPs, following a similar move by more than 1,000 pubs after the Chancellor’s Budget.
- Celebrity stylist Michael Van Clarke has barred Labour ministers from his Marylebone salon, aligning with the protest against the new business rates setup.
- Nottinghamshire salon owner Collette Osborne reports her annual bill will jump by more than £10,000 and has posted “No Labour MPs” signs at her premises.
- The government cites a £4.3bn support package and a 5p cut to the small-business rates multiplier, while industry groups warn higher rateable values will erase much of the relief.
- Owners point to rising National Insurance, VAT, wages, sick pay and lingering Covid-era debts, with one former barber telling GB News some in the sector have reported severe mental strain.