11 May 2021
This update covers:
- England: step 3 confirmed and guidance updates.
- Latest guidance: should my pregnant employee come to work?
- Furlough claims deadline.
- Scotland: new digital service for contact tracing.
- Scotland: self-assessment tool to ensure compliance.
- Lockdown dates across the four nations.
England: step 3 confirmed and guidance updates
The Prime Minister has confirmed that step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown in England comes into force on 17 May 2021. From this date:
- Saunas and steam rooms can open.
- You will be able to provide reading materials such as newspapers and magazines in client waiting areas.
- You will be able to provide refreshments in line with the guidance for restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services.
Find out more on the government website. Download a pdf of the full roadmap.
Latest guidance: should my pregnant employee come to work?
You should carry out a risk assessment for pregnant employees. Your pregnant employee should only continue working if the risk assessment demonstrates that it is safe for her to do so. It is important to revisit, review and revise the risk assessment if circumstances change.
You should be more cautious if your employee is more than 28 weeks pregnant or has an underlying health condition that makes them vulnerable to severe illness. When you complete the risk assessment and a risk is identified that cannot be removed, you should try to adjust working conditions and consider suitable alternative work. Where suitable adjustments cannot be made or alternative work cannot be found, your employee should be suspended on paid leave. It is important to review the risk assessment if circumstances change. NHBF Members should call the free 24/7 legal helpline for advice.
Find out more on the government website.
Furlough claims deadline
Claims for furlough days in April 2021 must be made by 14 May 2021. You can no longer submit claims for furlough ending on or before 31 October 2020. Find out more on the government website.
Scotland: new digital service for contact tracing
Check in Scotland is a new digital service to help businesses collect contact details for contact tracing. It will enable people to quickly and securely provide their contact details by scanning the official Test & Protect Check in Scotland QR code poster via their smartphone camera or by downloading the Check in Scotland app. Find out more on the Scottish Government website.
Scotland: self-assessment tool to ensure compliance
A self-assessment tool is available to help ensure you have effective measures in place to help control coronavirus in your salon or barbershop. Find out more on the Scottish Government website.
Lockdown dates across the four nations
Read our four nations FAQs which include links to the latest government guidance that must be followed.
England: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now allowed to open. Saunas and steam rooms cannot open until step 3 of the roadmap which starts on 17 May 2021. Find out more on the government website.
Wales: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now allowed to open.
Scotland: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now allowed to open.
Northern Ireland: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now allowed to open.
- Read our four nations FAQs.
- Find out what financial support is available across the four nations.
- Rules for mobile stylists and therapists.
- How to cope with local lockdowns.
- Our coronavirus FAQs are regularly updated. Check back often for the latest information.
- NHBF Members can download an information poster, email and social media message for clients.
- Members can call our membership team, Monday-Friday, 9-5, on 01234 831965. Please be patient due to the extremely high level of calls we are currently getting.
- For legal advice, Members can login to get our 24/7 legal helpline number. Again, please be patient. The legal team is also dealing with a huge number of calls.