HAIRDRESSERS and barbers have been forced to shut during the third national lockdown and it could be late April until they can reopen.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is poised to set out his roadmap to return the country to some sort of normality on February 22 but it could be some time before you can go for a trim.
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When will hairdressers and barbers reopen?
While a route out of lockdown is due to be unveiled next week, the PM has said the reopening of the UK economy will be gradual, which is similar to how the first lockdown was lifted.
He said the plan will depend on “the continued success of the vaccination programme,” as well as the “capacity of the NHS” and the rate at which people are dying from coronavirus in the UK.
Sources told The Sun the beauty industry still “have some time to go” before they can re-open.
The close-contact issue means it may be late April before hairdressers can resume. Other treatments, such as waxing and pedicures “where contact is inherent”, could have to wait even longer.
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Can mobile hairdressers work in lockdown?
All hairdressers, even those providing mobile services, were forced to stop trading when the third national lockdown was introduced on January 5.
Unlike other sectors within hospitality and retail, the personal care sector has not received any specific funding outside of that given to non-essential retail businesses, such as the furlough scheme.
Under the tier system, which operated during the second lockdown, hairdressers were allowed to operate as long as the implemented a Covid secure environment.
When did hairdressers open and close in previous lockdowns?
Hairdressers and barbers were forced to shut during the first lockdown in March 2020 and were among the last to reopen in July 2020.
There was a second four-week shutdown in November that lasted until December 2 and hairdressers and barbers were closed again for the third lockdown.
When hairdressers reopen, it is likely that not every station in the salon will be used, with hairdressers working at every other station in a bid to maintain a two-metre distance between them.
The British Beauty Council recommends that staff wear gloves, masks and gowns, while customers will also likely have to wear masks and will not be able to have many belongings on them.
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What are the guidelines for hairdressers?
This is a stressful time for all self-employed workers and hairdressers are no different.
The government has pledged support to self-employed people in the United Kingdom as well as full-time workers.
Self-employed workers can read our guide on how to get financial help during this crisis.
Some workers will be eligible for the furlough scheme – if you are, you can read our guide on what the emergency measures mean for you.
