BRADFORD South MP Judith Cummins has warned the Government that they are putting thousands of jobs at risk by delaying the reopening of the beauty industry.

Mrs Cummins, who is co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing, spoke about the £8 billion industry during a debate on government economic support packages during the coronavirus pandemic.

Although hairdressers and barbers were allowed to reopen at the weekend, the wider beauty sector has been told it must remain shut and has been given no indication of when it can reopen.

Speaking during a debate in the House of Commons, she said: “In many places, including in my constituency, beauty salons are the lifeblood of the high street.

"This sector’s success is critical to our regional economic recovery. And, of course, it is an industry that is predominantly run by women, employing women. 

"Yet, the beauty sector has seemingly been forgotten. Hairdressers and barbers have been open since the weekend, but the wider beauty sector has been left in a deeply uncertain position.”

Mrs Cummins then called on the Government to give the industry certainty by announcing when they can reopen.

This follows a letter to the Prime Minister sent by Mrs Cummins and APPG co-chair Carolyn Harris MP in which they criticised Conservative MPs for appearing to laugh at the industry when raised in an earlier debate.

She said: “There are many excellent beauty businesses in Bradford South and I know people who work in this industry want to get back to work quickly and safely.

"The way they have been treated by the Government is extremely poor. I will continue to stand up for them in Parliament and urge the Government to set out a plan as soon as possible.”