The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) has confirmed that beauty and hair salons could reopen on 4 July.
The date has been drawn up as part of the UK government’s plan for a phased reopening of the economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the date could be in jeopardy if certain measures are not met, including scientific evidence that the country’s R-rate is below 1.
Salons are allowed to offer click and collect services from their business, as long as consumers order in advance and do not enter the premises, according to BABTAC.
Speaking to Cosmetics Business, Lesley Blair Chair of the BABTAC said the lockdown had been “crippling” to the industry.
“The impact of lockdown has already been absolutely crippling to the entire beauty and hair treatment sector, which in the UK alone is worth £6.6 billion (based on the economic impact assessment we were involved in alongside the Hair & Barbering Council last year).
“As one of the only industries to be supporting the high street’s decline the impact is far wider than just our sector itself.
“The contribution the beauty and hair industry provides to consumer’s morale and mental and physical wellness should also not be underestimated.”
The announcement comes as non-essential shops, including beauty stores, have been given the green light to reopen on 15 June.
But there are conflicting opinions from members of the sector on the validity of the delayed date and businesses’ preparedness to reopen.
Despite the majority of salon workers happy to wait until 4 July, a recent survey by BABTAC found almost 20% of industry workers believe salons should be allowed to return at the same time as other non-essential retailers.
Meanwhile, more than 40% of therapists said they do not feel prepared to reopen their salon when the government allows.
“It is an impossible situation because while the people in our industry are desperate to get back to back to work we also take our duty of care for our clients very seriously,” added Blair.“Therefore we must be guided by scientific and government research and comply with it.”
