BABTAC members put two fingers up to slavery

BABTAC members put two fingers up to slavery

Today, Wednesday 18 October, is Anti Slavery Day and nail salons across the UK are joining forces with BABTAC and anti slavery charity Unseen to raise awareness of the issues within the beauty industry.

The Let’s Nail It campaign is challenging therapists and consumers to paint their nails yellow in support of raising awareness of modern day slavery.  The campaign started on Monday 16 October and runs until 23 October and aims to empower everyone to be able to recognise this hidden crime and report it.

If you need help, or you think someone may be a victim of slavery or exploitation, call the confidential UK modern slavery helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

08000 121 700

You can also report all concerns through the Helpline Website. 

Unseen have provided a what to look out for list:

* What do employees look like?

Do they appear withdrawn and neglected or unwilling to engage? 
Do they appear younger than you'd expect? Are they avoiding eye contact 
or is the presence or behaviour of another individual making them appear frightened? 
Are they resistant to being paid directly?
Is there a manager who takes the money and is overbearing or abusive?
Are there living quarters upstairs or attached to the nail salon?
Are employees brought to work at the same time?

* What do they sound like?

Do they seem hesitant to talk? 
Do they speak to others in the salon? Can they speak English? 
Being unable to speak English can increase people's vulnerability.

* How do you feel?

It's difficult to quantify, but trust your gut instinct. 
Do prices seem 'too good to be true'? Is the vibe you're getting making you feel uncomfortable?
 If you can't quite put your finger on it but you feel that some of the above indicators are present,
 you can report suspicions to the Modern Slavery Helpline. 08000 121 700

As part of our involvement, one of our CIBTAC centres The London School of Beauty & Make up has been featured on BBC London news  and has been talking to students about Modern Day Slavery within the industry. <View Here>

Our Award winning nail technician for 2017, Dee Quinn is also involved in the campaign. Owner of Deelights in Essex, Dee is passionate about the campaign and has even created her own signature design for the campaign - Delightful Yellow. Dee Says:

                                                                                                " I think its really important to raise awareness  of the issue within the industry. As an unregulated industry, the general public need be aware of  who they are visiting for their beauty treatments;  taking into ; taking the time to find and visit a reputable nail technician or salon who they know has the right insurance and relevant qualifications.  As the BABTAC Nail Technician of the Year for 2017, I’m immensely proud to be part of the campaign, putting two fingers up to modern day slavery "

There is still time to get involved with the campaign, visit www.unseenuk.org/lni for more information.