23 August 2022

This week's update covers:

  • UK inflation hits double figures
  • Hiring Ukrainian refugees
  • World cup fund open in Wales
  • T-Level Results

UK inflation hits double figures

The UK inflation rate has hit double digits - 10.1% - the Office for National Statistics says.

It's a higher rate than analysts were predicting - the last time price rises were in double digits was in February 1982. Rising food and drink prices made the biggest contribution to the change in the inflation rate between June and July.

For more advice on managing the cashflow of your salon or barbershop see our popular blog. 

Small business grant report

New data has shown that small businesses in England received £21.3 billion in COVID-19 local authority business support grants. Micro, small, and medium sized firms across different business sectors benefited from the funds available under the scheme, which was created to support businesses during and to recover from the impact of the global pandemic.

The grant scheme was created by the UK government and administered by local authorities, with all regions in England found to have allocated most of their total available funds to businesses in need. More details can be found here. 

Hiring Ukrainian refugees

Looking to give the opportunity to a Ukrainian refugee in your salon or barbershop?

Our recently updated Blog has you covered with everything you need to know about how to hire a refugee, including more information on transferring qualifications to the UK. 

World cup fund opens in Wales

With under 100 days to go until the start of the FIFA World Cup, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has launched a £1.5 million fund to promote and celebrate Wales.

The fund will support a range of organisations from culture, arts, sport and media for activities to celebrate Wales in the World Cup. This could include activity to promote Wales globally, delivering events to get young people involved in sport, connecting with Welsh diaspora, or helping fans celebrate the games in Wales.

If salons or barbershops businesses are looking to access the fund to celebrate within their communities, the deadline for applications is 1pm on Friday 26 August 2022. An application form may be requested by emailing TeamWales.WorldCup22@gov.wales

T-Level Results

The first cohort of students received their T Level results on 18 August 2022. 1029 students have been awarded results for the first wave of T Level subjects, started in September 2020: Education and Childcare; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; and Digital Production, Design and Development.  Full results have been published here.

The DoE confirmed the overall Pass rate for these learners in 2022 is 92.2% and this is broken down by subject as follows:

  • Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction – 93.7%
  • Digital Production, Design & Development – 89.7%
  • Education & Childcare – 93.4%

Across all subject areas combined, 93.9% of males and 94.1% of females completed an industry placement, although a small number of students will complete placements over the summer, so these numbers are likely to increase.

T Level students will receive an overall Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* grade. A student’s overall T Level grade is derived from the grades they achieved on the core component and the occupational specialism component.

The Hair & Beauty T-levels are due to start in 2023, the NHBF will be working with the Deportment for Education and Ofqual to help shape them to support the sector’s skills needs. For more information visit our website.