BARBERS DEFY CRISIS DEEPENS
I’m doing around 10 people’s hair a week.
“I’ve had a few ladies getting their roots done but mostly it’s a cut. I’ve had to put my prices up from £ 40 for a ladies’ colour to £ 65 as I can’t go to suppliers and there is also the risk factor.
“Normally I rent a chair in a salon, so I’m basically self-employed. I don’t qualify to be furloughed.
“I’ll need to wait until the end of May for financial help from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme but I still need to make money. I’ve still got to feed my family.”
Last week, the UK Government published plans for a gradual easing of the lockdown in England. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said primary schools, nurseries and shops could partially reopen from June 1.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said hairdressers in England will be allowed to open from July at the earliest.
However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has stressed the “stay at home” message remains in place north of the Border.
The UK Government rolled out its scheme to help the selfemployed on Wednesday – a fortnight ahead of schedule.
Simi lar to the furlough programme, it will cover 80 per cent an individual ’s average monthly trading profits as long as they earn less than £50,000 a year.
The money is paid over three months and capped at £7500.
More than £ 1bil lion has already been claimed and funds should start arriving by May 25..
A National Hair and Beauty Federation spokeswoman said: “The NHBF strongly recommends no one provides hair or beauty treatments until it is safe to do so. Clients should be aware that they are putting hair and beauty professionals at extreme risk by asking for these services.
“The few who are flouting the rules are potentially making it harder financially for everyone
Beauticians are carrying out pampering treatments from their homes during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Salons were among businesses forced to shut when lockdown was introduced.
However, some nail technicians are carrying out procedures in secret.
One technician, who asked not to be identified, told how she has flouted lockdown to make money and keep her clients happy.
The 33-year-old, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, said: “People really care about their nails and at this time people want a pickme-up to feel like themselves again.
“I’ve had some if the Scottish Government decides it has to extend lockdown to combat the higher risk these people are creating.
Joan Scott, of the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority, said: “If we don’t adhere to guidelines we could contribute to a second spike in the death rates.
“We urge people not to try to persuade their hairdresser or beauty therapist to put both their lives at risk or increase the risk to their families.”
Amanda Haxton, manager of Salon 61 in Glasgow’s Partick, said: “I’ve had lots of requests f rom people desperate for a hair cut. It’s not worth the risk.” clients coming to me to get their nails done every two weeks for years.
“They don’t want to suddenly stop, because it’s part of their identity.
“I work in a salon which was closed when the lockdown started but I’ve had plenty of my regulars messaging me to ask if I’m still working from home.
“I always wear a mask and disinfect my work area in my garage before and after a client.
“I’ve had about two clients a week since lockdown but nobody is going for anything too obvious like nail gems.
“I know there is a risk but I still need to make money.”