Nhbf answers hair salons most frequently asked coronavirus questions
Published
06th May 2020
by laurahusband
To help hair salons during these challenging times with coronavirus, the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) answers hair salons most frequently asked questions.
In these difficult times, the NHBF is doing all it can to support everyone in our industry – irrespective
of whether or not they are NHBF members.
“We’ve provided a wealth of regularly updated information on our website and social media that is accessible to everyone,” says NHBF chief executive Hilary Hall. “We’ve also received hundreds of calls from members who are worried about their staff and the future of their business. Some of the most common questions are listed below.”
Details and links to further information about all of these questions can be found at: nhbf.co.uk/coronavirus-FAQ.
Most commonly asked questions: What financial help is available to hair salons during coronavirus?
The UK Government has been putting in place a number of schemes aimed at helping salons survive this crisis. These include:
- Financial support to help retain staff rather than laying them off without pay or making them redundant
- Deferred VAT and tax payments
- Business interruption loans
- Rates holidays
- One-off grants
- Help with paying Statutory Sick Pay for coronavirus-related sickness or self-isolation.
The UK Government has also announced that commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of coronavirus will be protected from eviction (this is not confirmed in Scotland yet).
“We’ve also advised salon owners to speak with their banks who may be able
to offer flexible facilities and emergency loans,” adds Hilary.
What help is available for self-employed chair, space and room renters?
Self-employed individuals will be able to claim 80% of their monthly wages as a ‘taxable grant’ from the UK Government. You can apply using a simple online form.
“The scheme is for those with average profits per year of £50,000 or less and who make more than half of their income from self-employment,” explains Hilary.
The NHBF’s coronavirus FAQs also offer advice about chair, space and room renting rent payments while salons are closed.
What does being furloughed mean for salon employees?
A furloughed employee is on a leave of absence. Employers will be able to claim 80% of an employee’s wages while they are furloughed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Furloughed employees are not classed as working and so they will not be entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW),” points out Hilary. “This means 80% of their wages may take them below the NMW. However, employees will have the same employment rights as they did previously.”
Find out more information about the job retention scheme at nhbf.co.uk/furlough-FAQ.
What does the minimum wage increases mean for salons?
The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increases went ahead on 1 April 2020.
“Along with other industry leaders, we are urging the Low Pay Commission to take the huge economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak into account when considering the size and timing of any future increases,” says Hilary.
For all the latest information visit the NHBF’s coronavirus information hub: nhbf.co.uk/coronavirus, follow @nhbfsocial and read regular updates on the NHBF’s website – nhbf.co.uk.
Join the NHBF before 30 April 2020 and quote HJM25 to get £25 off your membership fee. Visit www.nhbf.co.uk/ join or call 01234 831965.
This post is sponsored by the National Hair & Beauty Federation.