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 Kate Dearden (Labour) on Friday, 18 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Personal Care Services: Qualifications

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what proportion of individuals working as barbers in the UK hold recognised vocational qualifications, including NVQ Level 2 and 3.

Answer: The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade does not hold data on the total number of barbers or the qualifications they hold and therefore cannot determine the proportion holding recognised vocational qualifications, including NVQ Levels 2 and 3. However, published data by the Department for Education for England shows that there were 406 starts on the Barbering Professional apprenticeship in academic year 2023/24, 326 in 2024/25 and 196 so far in 2025/26 (from August 2025 to April 2026).

Secondary information