A survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) and Plant Network earlier this year, highlighted the alarming rates of skin cancer in the sector and the economic barriers to adequate sun protection.
Completed by over 700 professionals working across horticulture and landscaping sectors, the results indicated that 12% of respondents had been diagnosed with skin cancer, with men and those with paler skin tones disproportionately affected. Notably, 71% reported being sunburned at least once per year, despite high awareness of the risks.
The letter calls on the Government to reclassify SPF 30+ sunscreen as essential health protection, rather than a cosmetic luxury, and to remove the 20% VAT currently applied under tax code 3304 9900 00. This change, the signatories argue, would make sunscreen more affordable for the UK’s outdoor workforce, increasing uptake and reducing the incidence of skin cancer.
The letter was co-signed by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH), British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), The Garden Media Guild, Horticulture and Potatoes Board – National Farmers Union (NFU), Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), Perennial, Plant Network, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners.
“It is unacceptable that a basic and effective form of occupational health protection is treated as a luxury item. This is a preventable health crisis that can be addressed with a simple policy change. We urge the Government to act.” said Jason Daff, Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.
Dr Tim Upson, Director of Gardens and Horticulture at the RHS, added: “Employers spend considerable time ensuring that those working outdoors are as safe as possible, providing advice, protection and planning work to avoid overexposure. A VAT exemption would greatly support employers in making sunscreen more readily available to protect everyone.”
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive, Horticultural Trades Association, commented: “As the trade body representing horticulture and landscaping businesses across the UK, the HTA and its specialist group, the Association of Professional Landscapers, strongly support the initiative to remove VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen. Our members employ thousands of outdoor workers who face daily exposure to the sun. The change would better enable businesses and workers to achieve better health outcomes, whilst reducing avoidable long-term strain on the NHS.”
According to the Met Office, Spring 2025 has seen 43% more sunshine than average — a stark reminder of the growing need for sun safety and skin cancer prevention. In light of this, the industry is calling on policymakers to prioritise this urgent and preventable public health issue. The organisations welcome the opportunity to present their findings and work with government to implement practical, life-saving policy change.
