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Heathrow Removal Centre Hairdresser Job at £31,500 Draws Criticism and Clarifications

Officials say the hairdresser post forms part of contractor obligations rather than a role directly funded by the Home Office.

Overview

  • Mitie is recruiting a full-time hairdresser at the Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre to serve detainees awaiting deportation.
  • The permanent role pays £31,585 for 40 hours a week and includes company benefits, according to the job listing.
  • The advert specifies cutting, braiding and dyeing and says services must reflect detainees’ cultural needs in a safe, respectful setting.
  • The TaxPayers’ Alliance denounced the offer as a misuse of public money, while Mitie called the post standard practice in secure environments focused on value for money.
  • Heathrow IRC, which combines Colnbrook and Harmondsworth and has capacity for about 965 people, was rated very poor in 2024 inspections before “excellent progress” was recorded this year.