From Saturday 15th, barbers in England will be required to wear a face mask and visor, Boris Johnson has announced.
The move comes in the wake of easing lockdown restrictions, including lifted rules on practicing close-contact services such as facial treatments and aesthetics.
The new legislation will require all staff offering close-contact services – including barbers, hairdressers, and those conducting remote treatments – to wear both a face-mask and clear visor.
Stricter fines have also been announced for noncompliance. At present, £100 fines can be issues to those who refuse to wear a face covering, but under the new measures, the penalty will double for repeat offenses, up to a maximum of £3,200.
In the wake of these changes, Keith Conniford, CEO of the Hair and Barber Council released a statement:
“Being able to stay open and to trade is critical for our industry’s survival, and if wearing a visor and a face mask enables us to keep all our customers and staff safe, whilst still remaining ‘open for business’ then we MUST all do as the Government tells us!”
Conniford has since released an additional statement, asking hair and barbering professionals to join the Hair and Barber Council who continue to offer support and fight for the industry:
“In these times of turmoil with Covid-19 hugely impacting our lives and our businesses, now more than ever before it is vital to work with us to ensure our industry finally receives the professional status and recognition it both needs and richly deserves!”
“We are the go to voice for Government and our APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) is the only parliamentary representation group fighting for the hairdressing and barbering industry. “
Join now by logging on to www.haircouncil.org.uk, and on the right of the homepage click ‘Register Here.’ To complete the process, complete the application form, upload supporting evidence and pay the annual fee.