To close or stay open during coronavirus: hair salons await government advice

Hair salons, barbershops and beauty salons are unclear as to whether to close or stay open as they were not included on the official list produced by the UK Government on Friday listing the businesses that must close. Spas, wellbeing centres and massage parlours were included on the list so the National Hair and Beauty Federation and a number of other industry bodies are has contacted a number of key government officials and departments but there is still no update as to whether hair salons and barbershops are included on the list. A number of hair salons have already made the decision to close their doors, including salon chain Rush Hair and Beauty, Goldsworthys and Cobella. Following the announcement, a list has been published on the Gov.uk website to clarify which types of business must close. • Food and drink venues for consumption on-site, such as restaurants and cafes. • Drinking establishments, including pubs, bars, nightclubs. • Entertainment venues, including cinemas, theatres, concert halls, and bingo halls. • Museums and galleries. • Spas, wellness centres and massage parlours. • Casinos and betting shops. • All indoor leisure and sports facilities, including gyms. As yet, it is unclear whether hair, barbershop or beauty salons will be asked to close at this time. It is expected that the legislation to enforce closures will result in fines of £1,000 for failing to comply. As part of the same Government statement, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a financial support package for workers and businesses, which can be found here.