This comes after the disappointing announcement two weeks ago that beauty businesses were able to reopen but banned any treatments to be carried out in the ‘high-risk zone’, which is the area directly in front of the face.
All businesses will be required to operate in a Covid-secure way. This means undertaking risk assessments and following the guidelines set out by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), including wearing the appropriate PPE, which is now the additional surgical face mask plus a visor, social distancing, thorough cleaning, and operating by appointment-only.
The Prime Minister also announced that tougher measures will be put in place for people who don’t follow the guidance including increased fines for not wearing a mask. The government will continue with local lockdowns where necessary to help control the spread of the virus.
Hilary Hall, chief executive of the NHBF said, “This is fantastic news for thousands of people in the beauty industry who have, up until now, been unsure about the future of their businesses. We have been working tirelessly with other industry organisations to get to this point, which has been hugely delayed compared to other sectors. We strongly urge everyone working in close contact services to ensure they operate in a safe and secure way so that the industry doesn’t face any more closures.”
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have updated their ‘Safer workplaces’ guidelines to include these latest announcements.
These rules apply to all beauty practitioners in England, including those working in salon spaces as well as freelancers, eyebrow and eyelash professionals, mobile operators, retail and session makeup artists.
The new guidance doesn’t apply to businesses currently in local lockdown who should check with their local authorities on when these services can reopen.
The NHBF continues to work with governments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on any further developments.
For more information and FAQs, please visit www.nhbf.co.uk/coronavirus and follow the National Hair & Beauty Federation on social at @nhbfsocial.
