ABT reacts to Government announcement as guidelines revealed

Following yesterday's announcement that hair salons and barbers can reopen from 4th July but that beauty salons, nail bars and spas may not yet, ABT are communicating with our experts and sources to attempt to find a timeline and schedule for our industry's safe reopening that we can communicate to our members. 

Hair Salons and Barbers in England can reopen, provided appropriate safety measures are in place on 4th July.

ABT's Dave Horton has issued the following information to offer some guidance to members:

“As of today (Wednesday 24th June), ABT have received and reviewed the UK government advice on how to reopen safely for ‘close contact' professions. This does not mean beauty salons can reopen, but will allow us to prepare our businesses, which we have all been desperately hoping to see for some time.  Obviously, we suggest renewing or taking out your insurance now so you are prepared and taking advantage of ABT's three month's free promotion.

“There has been much speculation surrounding an opening timeframe for beauty salons and spas, as yet I am unaware of any defined dates but am confident they will follow shortly.  I have reached out to the Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden MP, for comment as yesterday he tweeted: “Subject to public health, our aspiration is to gyms and Leisure facilities' in Mid-July.”  This is obviously not confirmed, nor referenced salons, but may give us an indicate position for planning.

“Currently, we are working to the same advice to members as we have been since the start of the COVID-19 issues. We cannot offer advice and provided people are operating legally in line with Government and local authority guidelines, the policy will respond to allegations of negligence against the policyholder, in the same way as for alleged injuries arising from treatment. I would say, in 99% of cases it is clear that Nail Bars, Beauty Salons and Spas are not permitted to open. There will of course be exceptions and those clients must be assured they are conducting business in line with guidelines – some are below and more available on Government sites.”

This guidance applies to those working in, visiting or delivering to home environments. These include, but are not limited to, people working in the following areas: In home workers – such as repair services, fitters, meter readers, plumbers, cleaners, cooks, visiting childcare providers, and surveyors (this is not an exhaustive list).  I would assume, when salons can reopen this advice would be important for ‘Mobile therapists' as well as ‘close contact guide' (see below).

Close contact services include:

• Hairdressing

• Barbershops

• Beauty salons

• Nail bars

• Make-up Studios

• Tattoo Studios

• Spray Tanning Studios

• Spas

• Sports and massage therapy

• Wellbeing and holistic locations

• Dress fitters

• Tailors

• Fashion designers

Guidance for people who work in hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, and business events and consumer shows.