I believe the hair and beauty industry is ready to open safely to the public on July 4th. I urge Government to allow professionally run businesses to serve their customers by committing to this deadline and providing clear guidelines to make this possible.

A recent survey completed by 2,800 people working in the profession concluded that 74% were ready to open their businesses by July 4th or earlier and that 91% would use the required levels of PPE.

The industry adds over £6.6 billion to the UK economy and employs more than 285,000 people across 49,000+ businesses, with 88% of the workforce being female. These individuals have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic and allowing this sector to open would support jobs and incomes of women in a higher proportion than other sectors.

Professionals are used to working in hygienic environments where cleanliness is paramount and tools sterilised after each client. The vast majority have reviewed their operations to ensure the wellbeing of their staff and customers. 

Allowing professionals to open on July 4th - having prepared and followed safety guidelines - will stop the public using ‘underground’ services where PPE and proper health and sanitisation measures may not have been taken and the HSE can not monitor. We urge Government to factor this in when balancing the industry’s risk profile.

The sense of wellness associated with a hair or beauty treatment should not be underestimated. People need these services and treatments; we ask Government to ensure that the public are served safely in the professional environment this sector has prepared for.