Beauty businesses NOT included in 15 June govt reopening plan

In an address to the nation on Monday 25 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that non-essential retail shops ‘will be expected to be able to reopen from 15 June’ – however this does not include hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons.

Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June on the provision that they are able to meet the updated Covid-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. All other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books and electronics will be expected to be able to reopen from 15 June. This category also includes tailors, auction houses, photography studios and indoor markets. The reopening of these businesses relies on whether the government’s five tests are met and they follow the Covid-19 secure guidelines.

A government press release dated 25 May reads: “Businesses will only be able to open from these dates once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become Covid-19 secure in line with the current Health & Safety legislation.

The government has published updated Covid-secure guidelines for people who work in or run shops, branches, and stores, after consultation with businesses, union leaders, Public Health England and the Health & Safety Executive. It will also be working with local authorities to continue to carry out spot checks and follow up on concerns raised by members of the public.

“As per the roadmap, hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector, remain closed, because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person to person contact is required.”

“Shops like supermarkets and pharmacies have been trading responsibly throughout the pandemic. Building on this and in line with the government’s roadmap, reopening non-essential retail is the next step towards restoring people’s livelihoods, restarting the UK’s economy, and ensuring vital public services like the NHS continue to be funded.”

Josh Hardie, CBI deputy director general, says: “As our high streets slowly reawaken, this new guidance is important for businesses on the ground. Our shops are doing all they can to keep the public and their staff safe, and we’ve seen many retailers leading from the front with innovative solutions to do just that. As more and more businesses turn their attention to reopening, this guidance will help them plan to do so safely and securely.”

Tough powers are in place to enforce action if businesses don’t comply with the Covid-secure guidelines, including fines and jail sentences of up to two years.

Read the government press release here.

Read the updated guidelines to working safely during coronavirus here.