Inquiry launched into value of complementary therapies

A cross-party group of MPs has launched an investigation into the value of complementary therapies in supporting everyone’s physical health, mental health and well-being and taking pressure off the NHS.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty and Wellbeing (APPG BAW), co-chaired by Carolyn Harris MP and Judith Cummins MP, will explore how complementary therapies can support everyone’s health, evaluate the skills gaps facing the industry, consider how to ensure the viability of businesses and jobs, and review potential government interventions to support the sector’s future.

The Group has launched a call for written evidence to better understand:
• the value the sector brings to the UK’s economy and society
• how complementary treatments can play a preventative role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing, or support those with existing health conditions
• how the NHS can be better integrated with the sector
• the skills gap facing the industry and how we can attract talent
• how has the pandemic changed demand for these services
• how to ensure the long-term growth of the sector and ensure those that work in it can make a good wage.

During the summer, sector experts were invited to give oral evidence by the MPs at the first session of the investigation, with further sessions to be held over the autumn. Having collected evidence, the APPG will present a Call to Action on Government with recommendations for how to support the sector’s future.

The deadline for Call for Evidence submissions is midnight on 11 November.

“Great steps have been made to secure the beauty industry greater recognition in Parliament and Government, however, the value of complementary therapies in supporting everyone’s health is not being adequately recognised,” said Harris and Cummins.

“Treatments such as massage can play a vital role in helping those with long-term health conditions manage their symptoms. Equally, highly-trained complementary therapists can play a preventative role in helping identify health conditions in their clients.

“With our NHS under increasing pressure, it is more important than ever that the benefits of complementary therapies are recognised.

“We look forward to receiving representations from across the industry as we seek to make recommendations to the Government on how to support the sector’s future, and ensure its role in supporting the UK’s health is maximised.”