There is no logic behind yesterdays announcement relating to businesses allowed to open on 4 July. While we applaud the ability of Hairdressers, pubs and hotels to open, there is no logical reason why beauty salons, spas and gyms are not. What is the difference between getting a haircut and having a beauty treatment. All these establishments are more than capable of safely opening according to the new guidelines. The members of these industries are devastated.

Beauty Salons, Spas and Gyms are clean establishments and can be adapted to operate within the guidelines. Therapists and staff can wear the appropriate PPE and equipment can be sterilised after each use. Stations can be organised accordingly and many of the smaller businesses will operate as a one in one out system. All treatments can be pre-booked and walk ins not allowed. The sole traders and smaller establishments are most at risk with many receiving no income overt the past 3 months and not being entitled to financial assistance.

They operate booking and membership systems so it is easy to track and trace people. Thousands of businesses and employees are affected and need to get back to work or a huge number will go out of business. We urge the Government to reverse this decision immediately allowing Beauty Salons, Gyms and Spas top open on 4 July.