Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, has hosted a call with local beauticians to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and support for local beauty salons and the wider industry.
Beauty salons across the country were shut down at the beginning of lockdown, but it was announced that, from Monday 13th July, they would be able to reopen with strict new guidelines in place. Guidance set out that services must only be allowed where they were not in the ‘highest risk zone’, which meant that anything directly in front of the face or facial treatments were not allowed. This meant that a number of treatments, like lash and brow treatments, facial waxing, facial treatments and make-up applications were banned until the Government advice changed. Practical guidelines were also put in place for the treatments that were allowed, meaning that the person providing the service should wear a face mask or clear visor that covers the face, increase hand-washing and surface cleaning, increase the cleaning of all equipment, wear gloves where appropriate and operate a strict booking system.
It was then announced that all beauty treatments would be allowed, meaning all beauty salons would be able to fully open and run facial treatments from August 1st. However, due to concerns about the rising infection rates, this has now been pushed back to August 15th, with the Government saying that this is the earliest beauty salons will be able to offer all their treatments.
Richard hosted a virtual meeting with beauticians from across the constituency to discuss the restrictions and support available for beauty salons. He spoke with representatives from:
- Head to Toe Aesthetics in Leadgate
- The Brow Box in Dipton
- Crystel Beauty in Consett
- Karen’s Hair, Beauty and Tanning Studio in Dipton
- Finishing Touches in Consett
- Anna McClen, a make-up artist in Consett
They discussed the impact that the restrictions and new regulations have had on the industry and the difficulties that the salons have faced with changing guidance and a ban on many common treatments.
Richard has now written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ask for further information about when restrictions will be lifted, as well as asking what financial support is available for the beauty sector. Richard has also written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to request further information about new guidance and to request details of available financial support.
Commenting, Richard said ‘I was really pleased I had the chance to catch up with so many local business owners in the beauty industry for what was a really interesting discussion. I am disappointed that many treatments are still banned and will work with beauty salon owners across the constituency to ensure that they can open fully as soon as is possible. It’s very easy to track and trace in a beauty salon – you know exactly who your clients are, and many local businesses are small and with a community focus. Many people visit beauty salons because they have a medical need like a skin issue, and it is clear from speaking to the salon owners that not having access to treatments has been genuinely distressing for some. I want to thank everyone who took the time to join me on the zoom call the other day and I will continue to work and support all of them.’
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