Stop Cooling Off Period Move, Says Workers' Union

A group representing beauty parlour staff wants the government to reconsider its plan to introduce a mandatory cooling-off period for the sector, saying it will drive most, if not all, shops out of business.

The government is considering a seven-day period for customers to change their minds about services provided by the beauty and fitness industries, after many a number of complaints about people being coerced into entering contracts worth thousands of dollars.

But the Beauty Industry Union said on Monday that current laws already provide enough protection for customers, and there are only a handful of unscrupulous businesses.

It said the sector is also taking steps to better protect customers, such as setting up a certification scheme to recognise good shops.

DAB lawmaker Elizabeth Quat, who has been helping the group, said the reported move by the government has already affected the sector as banks have made conditions tougher for many beauty parlours.