Sheila: Hi Emma. You recently found yourself caught up in a disguised employment situation, can you tell us about that?
Emma: Yes, my experience of being self-employed has had its challenges, especially early on. The salon I was working from didn’t fully understand what self-employment meant – they wanted to book my clients through their own system, process my bills through theirs and then only pay me a percentage of my own turnover. Thankfully Sheila, you helped explain to them that I needed to take control of my own bookings, manage my own income, handle my own product costs and essentially operate independently. That clarity helped resolve the situation and allowed me to move on to a better salon space where my freelance status is fully respected.
Sheila: I’m so pleased that it worked out for you and that we could support you through. So, just to make it clear for everyone, what happens with booking your clients now then?
Emma: I manage all my bookings myself. I use an online booking system, which is brilliant as it allows clients to contact me directly to book their own appointments and gives me full control over my diary. It also helps me maintain clear communication with my clients. They know exactly what services I offer and what the prices are before they even sit in the chair, creating a level of transparency that builds trust and keeps things professional.
Sheila: Yes, that direct communication is so important. So, how does the chair set-up work and what should others know before joining one?
Emma: A co-working space – sometimes called ‘rent-a-chair’ – essentially means that you’re self-employed but working within a shared salon environment. You rent a space and, in return, you get to run your business independently, usually with fewer overheads than opening your own salon. Of course, each situation is different, and it depends on what is agreed in the contract between you and the salon owner. Some may offer access to things like backwash basins and towels, refreshments for clients or use of shared tools like tint bowls, brushes and foil, but generally, you’ll need to supply all of your own equipment like scissors, styling tools and products. Always check what’s included and what’s expected of you. There should be no crossover when it comes to client ownership, booking systems or payments. You are running your own business inside someone else’s space, not working for them. If that line gets blurred, it can quickly lead to confusion or even disguised employment, like I experienced.
Sheila: That’s such great advice. What would you say to someone who’s considering a co-working setup?
Emma: Firstly, I would suggest joining a freelance community, such as the FHA. You’ll automatically get the correct insurance you need for public liability cover, as well as advice on how to stay compliant and protected as a self-employed stylist. You’ll also need to register with the HMRC for your tax returns, which the FHA can guide you on too. Being self-employed gives you the freedom to choose your products, your working hours and the kind of business you want to build, but it’s not without its responsibilities. Most importantly, I’d say surround yourself with the right people and knowledge, and it’ll be 100% worth it.
