3 August 2020

This update covers:

  • England: clients must wear face coverings from 8 August.
  • Treatments on the face postponed until at least 15 August in England.
  • Latest on spas, saunas and steam rooms.
  • Local restrictions currently in place.
  • Redundancy pay for furloughed workers to be based on full pay.

England: updated guidance for face coverings

The government has updated its guidance about face coverings for England:

  • From 8 August 2020, members of the public must wear a face covering in nail bars, hair and beauty salons and barbershops. If necessary, the client can remove their face mask for a treatment to be carried out. (But note that beauty treatments on the face are not allowed in England until at least 15 August 2020.)
  • Currently, the guidance says that face coverings for clients are recommended.

Find out what rules apply across the four nations.

Treatments on the face postponed until at least 15 August in England

The guidelines for beauty treatments in the highest risk zone have not changed. No beauty treatments can be provided on the face in England, even if you are wearing a visor. This ban will now be in force until at least 15 August 2020.

The NHBF is continuing to push the government for financial support for businesses that are still facing significant restrictions on their ability to work.

Latest on spas, saunas and steam rooms

Government guidelines say that saunas and steam rooms in England should remain closed until further notice.

In Wales and Scotland, spas are to remain closed until further notice. Spas are allowed to open in Northern Ireland.

Local restrictions currently in place

  • In Leicester hair salons and barbershops can open from today (3 August). Beauty salons must remain closed.
  • Local restrictions are in place in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire. Salons and barbershops can remain open and mobile hairdressers, barbers and therapists can work in clients’ homes or have clients come to them to provide permitted treatments.
  • Local restrictions in Luton have now been lifted.

Redundancy pay for furloughed workers to be based on full pay

A new law says that furloughed employees who are then made redundant must receive redundancy pay based on their normal wage. Find out more on the government website.

See all updates