Nails | BABTAC & Habia Respond To Sunday Times Human Trafficking Report

[The Ed.]

Both BABTAC and Habia have responded to the Sunday Times report that revealed the growth of nail salons controlled by human traffickers and staffed by the trafficked. The report found that the majority of trafficking victims were from Vietnam and that they were being forced to work in salons during the day and engage in prostitution at night.

Both Habia and BABTAC are keen to point out to professionals and consumers that this does not mean that all Vietnamese nail salons are fronts for illegal and criminal activity however, both organisations want to raise awareness of the possibility and have issued statements encouraging professionals to educate clients about the signs of these illegal salons.

BABTAC and CIBTAC chair Carolyne Cross says, "Given the ease of access into our industry and the lack of regulation, human trafficking problems are an unfortunate and terrible side-effect. Whilst we do not and cannot actively support victims, we do encourage both industry professionals and consumers to look out for the signs and work to report and prevent this suffering."

BABTAC is urging professionals and clients to look out for 'typical trafficking signs' such as a reluctant to build relationships with customers, therapists who live in the same premises in which they work and an inability for employees to leave without their employers.

Both BABTAC and Habia reiterate the importance of industry regulation in the fight against human trafficking and other illegal activity. BABTAC urge consumers to check that salons have insurance - without it they could be unqualified. Habia are launching The Register of Nail Professionals in October which with contain a list of professionals with the correct qualifications and will be available for consumers to check.

"Habia works with all corners of the beauty industry and the concern about trafficked workers within its businesses is understandable," says Stuart Turner, Head of Standard and Qualifications at SkillsActive, of which Habia is a part. "There must be a standard of integrity, quality and ethics adhered to and that should be driven by the industry itself but also customers must play their part by carefully selecting who they choose to do their nails."

BABTAC and CIBTAC chair, Carolyne Cross agrees, "We are running a campaign to drive for industry regulation, as well as pushing to raise awareness of the importance of visiting a therapist or salon that is qualified, verified and insured. Customers should always ask their therapist about their training, before they have a treatment and also check that they have valid insurance; it is unlikely that ‘front’ businesses such of these will have insurance or nationally recognised qualifications, which can help you to identify reputable salons, and reduce the demand / profitability of these businesses. This of course isn’t a failsafe test for choosing a salon, but anyone with any suspicions about trafficking should report it to their local police, or to Crimestoppers."

Habia Chairman, Suki Kalirai, agrees that regulation is also the answer when it comes to protecting these victims of human trafficking. "This news shows that changes must take place in the beauty industry and thankfully, it is taking strides to become more professionalised sector. it is a task that won't be accomplished overnight but what is already beginning to happen is that the industry itself is calling for more measures to recognise the skills and qualifications of nail professionals."

Of course, it's important to reiterate that this does not apply to all Vietnamese salons. But, it does apply to some and it applies to some non-Vietnamese salons. There are victims of human trafficking out there and it would be naive of us to assume that this was simple scaremongering campaign. Be aware and encourage clients to be aware.

Until then...geek on!

The Ed.

 

[The Guild]

Sadly, the Sunday Times article is another example of sensationalist journalism.

The Guild were actually contacted by the Sunday Times before the article went to print, as our Beauty Industry Survey is the only reliable source of statistics in the industry. The survey itself states that there are only 78,569 therapists and approximately 1,000 nail bars in the UK, which makes it difficult to see how 100,000 Vietnamese workers fit into this. However, as our figures did not fit the story, these were ignored by the paper.

Of course we are aware that trafficking does happen and there is no-one who will condone this, however, an article like this only serves to tarnish the reputation of the industry as a whole. This article is not only insulting to nail technicians in general, but to Vietnamese professionals in particular.

Whilst we all strive to raise standards within the industry, regualtion will not impact on illegal workers as these will still continue to thrive under the radar. Membership of a professional body such as the Guild is just as good a way of giving the public confidence that you are qualified and insured.

To see a great example of how badly the numbers add up, take a look at this insightful article: The Glory Of The Guardian's Approach To Math And Sex Trafficking - Forbes

 

[gems-gem's]

That article made me cringe..... Didn't serve much purpose in either issue- bad standards in some non standard salons or the more serious human rights issue. Although I really do welcome the news about the register for nail professionals, every cloud..