21 October 2020

This update covers:

England:

  • Manchester and South Yorkshire: new restrictions do not require salons and barbershops to close – but rules apply.

Scotland:

  • Scottish Government responds to NHBF lobbying.
  • One-off grants for Scottish businesses affected by restrictions.
  • Adopt an Apprentice funding increased.
  • Self-isolation support grant now open for applications.
  • Additional guidance for close contact services published.

Manchester and South Yorkshire: new restrictions do not require salons and barbershops to close

Greater Manchester will move to the ‘very high’ alert level just after midnight on Friday, 23 October 2020.

South Yorkshire will move to the ‘very high’ alert level just after midnight on Saturday, 24 October 2020.

  • Salons and barbershops are not being told to close in these areas.
  • Mobile hairdressers and therapists can continue to operate as they are not counted as part of the ‘rule of six’ gatherings limit.
  • The guidelines for close contact working must be followed.

However, please note: the restrictions state that you must ensure clients do not meet in your salon or barbershop premises with people from outside their household or support bubble.

The restrictions that apply to businesses in very high alert areas are listed on the government website.

Scottish Government responds to NHBF lobbying

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy in Scotland, has responded in writing to the NHBF’s continued lobbying for more help and support for salons and barbershops in Scotland.

Fiona Hyslop’s letter to the NHBF includes the following points:

  • I have raised the need for additional support for business as we move into the difficult winter months with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
  • Any new or additional support packages have to be funded from within pre-existing budget allocations, many of which are already under pressure as a result of the increased costs associated with managing the Covid-19 crisis. This makes it extremely difficult to provide the financial support that many businesses are looking for and a balance has to be struck.
  • We will continue to examine what business support package can be made available for any future tiered restriction measures, as with the rest of the UK.

The NHBF will continue to push for further help and support for our industry across all four nations.

One-off grants for Scottish businesses affected by restrictions

A new support fund of up to £40 million for Scottish businesses and employees is in place following tighter restrictions that were imposed on 9 October 2020. A business hardship fund is also open for applications. Find out if you are eligible.

Adopt an Apprentice funding increased

More financial support is being provided to employers to take on apprentices in Scotland who have been made redundant as a result of the pandemic. Payments for employers recruiting apprentices who have lost their jobs is being increased from £2,000 to £5,000 through the Scottish Government’s Adopt an Apprentice programme.  Find out more.

Self-isolation support grant now open for applications

Applications for the self-isolation support grant have opened for low-income workers who would lose income if they need to isolate. Those affected will be told how to apply after being contacted by Scotland’s Test and Protect service. Find out more.

Additional guidance for close contact services published

Additional guidance for close contact services has been published for Scotland. This includes details about treatments in the high-risk zone. Find out more.

See all updates