Clinic chain shuts down, leaving hundreds of staff members jobless: 'They weren't being paid'
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Disclaimer: The names in asterisks (*) were changed for privacy purposes.
When it comes to self-care, annual check-ups with a GP automatically come into mind.
However, for a number of Aussies, aesthetic appointments also count!
If you've ever booked a pampering session at a beauty clinic recently, you might want to check your appointments immediately.
In a shocking turn of events, several beauty clinics across Sydney have abruptly closed their doors.
The sudden closures left loyal customers and hardworking staff in a state of confusion, frustration, and financial loss.
For many, the first hint that something was amiss came when appointments got cancelled left and right.
What seemed like a minor scheduling hiccup quickly snowballed into a full-blown crisis.
Customers have discovered that their favourite clinic—Future Laser and Body Clinic—had ceased operations.
With three locations across Sydney, the closure left a trail of unpaid staff and out-of-pocket customers in its wake.
Staff members, many of which are young women just starting their careers, had to deal with 'toxic' work conditions in the clinic.
'Therapists weren't showing up because they weren't being paid,' beauty therapist Amani* stated.
The clinic reportedly owed her $7,000 to $10,000 in wages.
Another clinic staff member, Emma*, described 12.5-hour days with no breaks and being paid only via PayID.
Other staff members painted a grim picture of life at Future Laser.
Employees were forced to meet unrealistic sales targets of $1,500 a day or face the risk of being fired.
Verbal abuse, threats of termination, and bizarre contract clauses like $200 deductions for customer complaints were reportedly commonplace.
The company's financial troubles weren't exactly a secret.
Last May, a lender filed winding-up proceedings against the company and its director, Ibrahem 'Ibby' Sabra, over an unpaid debt of $79,000.
According to the NSW Fair Trading register, Future Laser and Body Clinic is now the second most complained-about business in the state.
The business racked up 49 complaints within a month.
Unfortunately, this was not the first time a beauty business linked to Mr Sabra had gone under.
In 2023, Elan Laser Clinics, a chain with locations in Sydney and the Gold Coast, also shut down.
The closures left many customers and staff in the lurch.
Elan Laser previously lured customers with up to 80 per cent off their prepaid services before vanishing.
After news of the closure, customers came out with several heartbreaking stories.
Single mum Amira Hussein paid $720 for a series of discounted treatments she never received.
'That's $720 down the drain,' Ms Hussein lamented.
'I haven't even had one facial or laser.'
Tatjana Nikcevic, who works in a warehouse, paid for 10 sessions upfront and only received one before the clinic closed.
Ms Nikcevic lost over $600 after the clinic shut down.
Both women tried to contact the business repeatedly, only to find disconnected phone lines and shuttered storefronts.
What can you do if you're affected?
Here are a few tips to help protect yourself:
Has your go-to clinic left you in limbo, too? Or you have worked in the beauty industry and have your own story to share. We want to hear from you! Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.
When it comes to self-care, annual check-ups with a GP automatically come into mind.
However, for a number of Aussies, aesthetic appointments also count!
If you've ever booked a pampering session at a beauty clinic recently, you might want to check your appointments immediately.
In a shocking turn of events, several beauty clinics across Sydney have abruptly closed their doors.
The sudden closures left loyal customers and hardworking staff in a state of confusion, frustration, and financial loss.
For many, the first hint that something was amiss came when appointments got cancelled left and right.
Future Laser and Body Clinic's official website has been shut down. Image Credit: Instagram/Future Laser and Body Clinic
What seemed like a minor scheduling hiccup quickly snowballed into a full-blown crisis.
Customers have discovered that their favourite clinic—Future Laser and Body Clinic—had ceased operations.
With three locations across Sydney, the closure left a trail of unpaid staff and out-of-pocket customers in its wake.
Staff members, many of which are young women just starting their careers, had to deal with 'toxic' work conditions in the clinic.
'Therapists weren't showing up because they weren't being paid,' beauty therapist Amani* stated.
The clinic reportedly owed her $7,000 to $10,000 in wages.
Another clinic staff member, Emma*, described 12.5-hour days with no breaks and being paid only via PayID.
Other staff members painted a grim picture of life at Future Laser.
Employees were forced to meet unrealistic sales targets of $1,500 a day or face the risk of being fired.
Verbal abuse, threats of termination, and bizarre contract clauses like $200 deductions for customer complaints were reportedly commonplace.
The company's financial troubles weren't exactly a secret.
Last May, a lender filed winding-up proceedings against the company and its director, Ibrahem 'Ibby' Sabra, over an unpaid debt of $79,000.
According to the NSW Fair Trading register, Future Laser and Body Clinic is now the second most complained-about business in the state.
The business racked up 49 complaints within a month.
Unfortunately, this was not the first time a beauty business linked to Mr Sabra had gone under.
In 2023, Elan Laser Clinics, a chain with locations in Sydney and the Gold Coast, also shut down.
The closures left many customers and staff in the lurch.
Elan Laser previously lured customers with up to 80 per cent off their prepaid services before vanishing.
After news of the closure, customers came out with several heartbreaking stories.
Single mum Amira Hussein paid $720 for a series of discounted treatments she never received.
'That's $720 down the drain,' Ms Hussein lamented.
'I haven't even had one facial or laser.'
Tatjana Nikcevic, who works in a warehouse, paid for 10 sessions upfront and only received one before the clinic closed.
Ms Nikcevic lost over $600 after the clinic shut down.
Both women tried to contact the business repeatedly, only to find disconnected phone lines and shuttered storefronts.
What can you do if you're affected?
- If you've prepaid for treatments with Future Laser and Body Clinic, here are some steps you can take:
- Contact NSW Fair Trading: Lodge a formal complaint if you're a customer who's lost money.
- Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman: If you're a staff member owed wages or superannuation, file a claim as soon as possible.
- Check your payment method: If you paid by credit card, contact your bank to see if you can initiate a chargeback.
- Keep records: Save all receipts, emails, and messages related to your transactions and employment.
Here are a few tips to help protect yourself:
- Be wary of large prepayments: While discounts are tempting, paying upfront for multiple sessions can be risky.
- Do research about the business: Check online reviews, business registrations, and complaint registers before handing over your money.
- Ask about refund policies: Make sure you understand what happens if the business closes or you need to cancel.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off—like pushy sales tactics or odd payment methods—walk away.
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