IHF TELEPHONE SURVEY MAY 2010

The voluntary Executive committee of the Irish Hairdressers Federation agreed to organise a telephone survey with its IHF Members during December 2009 and January 2010.  The IHF database of members was divided among the Executive Committee and each Executive committee member agreed to contact a certain number of members. 

 The nature of this survey was to find out from our members:

• How can the IHF support you in these challenging times?
• What can the IHF do to help you with your business in this new economic climate?

 Outline in this report at the main issues that were addressed during the survey.  As a voluntary group the IHF Executive Committee will outline how it proposes to take action on these results.

 If any of our members did not receive a call from an IHF Executive Committee member then we apologise for this and invite any such member to contact the IHF office at any time to voice their opinions/seek assistance/advice.

 The main issues of concern raised by members were as follows:

 1. Black Market Hairdressing

Possible actions by the Irish Hairdressers Federation

The area of Black Market Hairdressing has spiralled in the last 3 years and is becoming a very real problem for all hairdressing salons.  The Black Market is detrimental to our business and we all must actively work to eliminate it.

 Suggestions from the IHF:

• IHF request suppliers to sell professional product to the trade only.
• If you have a part time or full-time stylist that is operating three days a week in your salon and Black Market Hairdressing on other days  – if this activity impinges on your business directly then all members of staff should be informed that this activity is not acceptable and proof of partaking in Black market hairdressing may result in disciplinary action.
• If you are aware of a hairdresser in your area working in Black Market hairdressing  i.e. not registered for tax/prsi/vat then you should report this person to your local revenue office.

 2. Training for Apprentices

 Possible actions by the Irish Hairdressers Federation

• In 2009 the Irish Hairdressers Federation identified a need and designed a set of hairdressing Training Guidelines.  These guidelines are available to members to purchase for as little as €50.
• The IHF Executive Committee is now working on putting a training structure to these guidelines.
• The IHF has organised the first steps in producing this programme by organising workshops to discuss and work on developing this project.
• IHF have organised two IHF All Star Education demonstration evenings.  These events were held in Dublin and Athlone and the next event is scheduled for September in Cork.  These events provide trainees and stylist with an opportunity to see and learn from some of the industries All Stars.  Tickets for these events were set at a very affordable price of €20 for members.

3. Training days for Managers/Owners – Marketing techniques/Contracts of Employment etc

Possible actions by the Irish Hairdressers Federation:

• The IHF in conjunction with Peninsula is hosted a briefing for its members introducing them to the services offered by Peninsula – Monday 24th May 2010.  Peninsula are an Employment Law and Health & Safety consultancy company.
• Through its “Starter Employer Pack”, the IHF will continue to expand the services it offers to its members in this area.
• The IHF will make available a list of accredited schools that are members of the IHF to its members.  The IHF will not be promoting one school above another just providing contact details.

 4. IHF Web Site

• The IHF has invested time and money in revamping the site and will use it as its main communication tool with members from mid 2010 onwards.  The IHF proposes to put all information packs up on its web site with member only access points. 
• The site will also have a shop in which members will be able to purchase IHF membership, tickets to IHF competitions, competition entry fees, trainee registration scheme, IHF Starter Employer pack, IHF Trainee Guidelines etc.

 5. Wages – increase by the JLC Cork city borough and Dublin city and county borough.

• The IHF made representation to the JLC requesting a freeze on the most recent wage increase in March 2010.
• The JLC responded very strongly outlining that any wage increase were agreed a number of years ago to bring their rates in line with other trades.  The IHF and other employer organisation did place their objection to these increases in the early stages and the rate of the increase was reduced.
• In relation to the recent increase the JLC asked that any member that was experiencing difficulties in paying the new rates should contact them and they would request a copy of the company accounts which they would examine and make a decision on the employers ability to pay the increase.
• In 1946 the Joint Labour committee was established to protect workers in the Dublin and Cork City and County Boroughs.  These committees set out rates of pay and terms of employment applicable to the areas governed by it.  The Unions over the years have negotiated slightly higher rates for these areas than the rest of the country.   In 2000 the National Minimum Wage Act (which applies to all other parts of the country) was introduced and hairdressing is one of the sectors that can pay less than €8.65 per working hour (provided an employer follows the guidelines set out by the National Minimum wage Act 2000.

 6. IHF Membership – spreading payment over a period

Members raised the query – can payment of IHF Membership be spread over the first 6 months of the year?

 Possible  actions by the Irish Hairdressers Federation

• Yes, the IHF Executive committee are investigating the options available (with our bank) to members re paying membership in instalments/direct debit system.
• The IHF Executive is also investigating the suggestion from members that your membership year runs from the date you pay to 12 months after that date e.g. if you pay on 1st June 2011 the membership is valid until 31st May 2012.