This summer brings a packed schedule of events that will grab the nation’s attention – from the UEFA Women’s European Championship to Wimbledon tennis and major music festivals across the UK.
While these events provide a welcome buzz, salon owners may find them come with a few challenges: more staff absences, last-minute cancellations, and clients or staff distracted during working hours.
Here’s a breakdown of what to watch out for and how to manage it.
What this blog covers:
Unauthorised absences
Large national events can cause a spike in unplanned absences. Whether it’s catching a football match, a Wimbledon final or recovering from a weekend at Glastonbury, employees might be tempted to call in sick.
Estimates during previous tournaments suggest one in seven men and one in 20 women called in sick. That figure is likely to rise with more events running across the summer.
What to do:
- Monitor absences against your attendance policy.
- Treat any unauthorised absences seriously. Persistent lateness or failure to follow sickness reporting procedures can trigger formal action.
- NHBF Members can call the 24/7 HR helpline for advice before taking any disciplinary action.
Tip: Keep records. Use self-certification forms for the first seven days of illness – available free for NHBF Members to download.
Under the influence of alcohol
Major sporting fixtures and festivals often mean drinking. The last men’s tournament saw an estimated 38 million pints consumed. Summer music festivals only add to that trend.
Reminder for employers:
- Being under the influence at work is a disciplinary matter.
- Staff drinking at work, even off-duty or after-hours, can lead to safety or conduct issues.
- If your salon serves alcohol – even for free – make sure you’re licensed. Requirements vary by location.
No-shows and cancellations
Whether it’s a nail appointment clashing with a football semi-final or a colour treatment booked on a festival weekend, expect some disruption.
Reduce no-shows with these steps:
- Build good relationships with your clients so they feel committed and respected.
- Use salon software to send automated reminder texts a few days before appointments.
- Consider deposits or cancellation fees – but only if they’re fair and legal.
What the law says:
You can charge for no-shows or cancellations, but only to recover your actual loss. Policies must be reasonable and transparent.
Be flexible: Don’t apply penalties too strictly – especially for long-standing, reliable clients.
TV licensing rules
If you’re thinking of screening the Women’s Euros or Wimbledon in your salon to keep clients and staff engaged, make sure you're licensed.
You need a TV Licence if people in your salon (staff or clients) watch or record:
- Live TV on any channel
- BBC programmes on iPlayer
This applies to any device: TVs, tablets, laptops or phones.
Key points:
- If you have multiple sites, you’ll need a licence for each one (or a Company Group Licence).
- Living above your salon with a home licence isn’t enough – the business still needs its own.
- A TV licence doesn’t cover you to play music.
NHBF reminder:
Tina Beaumont-Goddard, NHBF Director of Membership, says:
“More salons are adding TVs to improve the client experience, especially during major events. But we regularly remind members – you need a valid licence to stay within the law.”
Download the TV in the Workplace guide below to help explain to your team what is and isn’t allowed.
This summer offers big opportunities to engage clients and keep the atmosphere buzzing. But it also needs careful planning. Make sure your policies are in place – and your team know what’s expected – so you can enjoy the season without disruption.
NHBF Members can log in for downloadable resources, advice guides and access to expert HR and legal support.