NHBF calls for further Covid financial support

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) is calling for government support for the industry as uncertainty over Covid-19 restrictions grows.

The Federation's recent poll shows that salons and barbershops are experiencing unprecedented levels of cancellations during what is usually their busiest month of the year due to clients having to self-isolate or changing their mind following the recent changes to government guidance.

Results showed that 73% of respondents had experienced cancellations, with 56% reporting a reduction in advance bookings. Twenty-eight percent of businesses also reported disruption in the salon due to staff shortages and staff having to self-isolate. 

Calling for government assistance, NHBF chief executive Richard Lambert says:

“This situation is evolving rapidly, but it's already clear that the government needs to act before it becomes a crisis. 

“The industry had shown its resilience and was on the path to recovery, but early indications show that that the combination of Omicron and Plan B are having a drastic effect on bookings and footfall in salons during a time in which the sector relies heavily on cash generated in December to get them through the quieter months in January and February. Many of our Members tell us their finances are still finely balanced, and this sudden fall-away could be devastating.

“The government needs to provide targeted financial support to help the industry quickly, whether by reallocating existing resources or making new support available. We are also calling for an increase in the 50% discount on business rates for next year and flexibility on repayments of CBILS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme) and bounce back loans to offer much needed support to those suffering financial hardship.”