UK spotlights “thriving” beauty industry as job opportunities abound amid British Beauty Week
30 Oct 2023 --- The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is promoting British Beauty Week, ending today, encouraging local jobseekers to explore the range of roles offered by the beauty industry.
With over 4,000 vacancies available on the government’s Find a Job portal, this campaign aims to match individuals with roles such as beauticians, merchandisers, lecturers and more, catering to varying levels of experience.
The Prime Minister commended the UK beauty industry, which records an annual contribution of £20 billion (US$24.3 billion) to the nation’s economy. The sector plays an important role in the government’s agenda to foster economic growth, highlights DWP.
Empowering creativity and entrepreneurship
The DWP, through its Jobcentre network collaborates with employers, such as Elite Hotels and the British Beauty Council, to connect claimants from diverse backgrounds to beauty-related vacancies.
“I encourage job seekers from all backgrounds to use British Beauty Week to consider a role in beauty as their next move. This booming sector offers a range of exciting roles and skills development along with progression opportunities and a new sense of purpose,” comments Diane Whitbread, one of the DWP’s Employer Engagement Advisors.
The UK beauty industry supports 550,000 jobs across various sectors.
“Our Jobcentre network can provide crucial advice to all job seekers, and my dedicated colleagues, including work coaches, stand ready to help people begin rewarding careers within this dynamic industry.”
As per the Value of Beauty report (2023), the UK beauty industry supports 550,000 jobs across various sectors, including media, services and STEM roles. Notably, 81% of those employed are women and 86% of business owners.
“The British Beauty industry makes a bigger contribution to the UK’s GDP than the creative, arts and entertainment sector and the aerospace manufacturing sector, however, many people are unaware of the diverse range of opportunities available in the sector,” adds Millie Kendal OBE, the British Beauty Council’s CEO.
“To highlight the diverse opportunities available in the sector, the Council has launched its ‘Future Talent Programme,’ designed to uncover unique roles in technology, fragrance, sustainability and cosmetic science to people aged 11 to 18. Through engaging short films, the program is dedicated to ensuring a pipeline of unique talent to a creative, innovative and entrepreneurial sector.”
Training programs
DWP highlights that job seekers can further leverage the Department for Work and Pensions’ Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) to acquire new skills and gain hands-on experience in relevant industries.
Lasting up to six weeks, SWAPs include pre-employment training, industry work experience and job interview preparation. Several SWAPs are tailored to beauty, focusing on job openings in hair, beauty and fitness.
For instance, Jobcentre Plus ran a SWAP with L’Oréal Paris in North London for Beauty Counter Advisor, where candidates were trained from a local college and all secured a role with the French company, shares DWP.
Edited by Venya Patel
