Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Charlie Maynard (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 10 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 September 2026. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 21 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Personal Care Services: Health Hazards

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of public health risks associated with barbering, particularly regarding infection control where razors and sharp tools are used.

Answer

Businesses in the hair and beauty sector including barber shops, hairdressers and beauty salons are required to comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations, which place duties on businesses to assess and control the risk for employees and others affected by their work, including members of the public.

While the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are the policy lead for the hair and beauty sector, responsibility for enforcing health and safety legislation at individual businesses rests with the local authority in which the premises are located.

Local authorities are responsible for a range of statutory public health functions, including the management of communicable disease incidents and outbreaks that may originate in business settings. These functions sit outside HSE's regulatory remit.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
29027
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Health hazards Personal care services
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk