28th April 2021: The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC) today cautiously welcomes the expected announcement later this week by the Government regarding the easing of restrictions. The easing is expected to lead to a re-opening of the personal services sector and hair and beauty salons across Ireland.
In preparation for the easing of restrictions, HABIC has produced updated guidelines for our members across the country, as we look to welcome our customers back into salons. The HABIC Reopening Guidelines are made up of a combination of the Government’s Work Safely Protocol and the adoption of learnings in the sector from the first two lockdowns. The updated guidelines will provide guidance for staff working in hair and beauty salons nationwide.
In preparation for the easing of restrictions, HABIC has produced updated guidelines for its members across the country, as they look to welcome their customers back into salons. The HABIC Reopening Guidelines are made up of a combination of the Government’s Work Safely Protocol and the adoption of learnings in the sector from the first two lockdowns. The updated guidelines will provide guidance for staff working in hair and beauty salons nationwide.
“It is essential that health and safety remain the priority for the sector and we are ready, as we prepare once again to welcome our clients back to our salons. We are proud of the track record of salons across the country since the outbreak of COVID-19 and our previous health and safety response to the virus. From approximately 6.8 million individual services, there have only been seven outbreaks associated with the personal grooming sector. However, as we look forward to reopening, there is no room for complacency.
We are truly excited to welcome our customers back and in preparation we have provided salon owners and employees a comprehensive set of reopening guidelines, to ensure the experience is safe as well as enjoyable. While closed, we have been extremely busy preparing our salons, training our teams and following the government and public health advice to ensure we deliver the best experience, in a controlled and professional manner. The health and safety of our customers and that of our teams is our number one priority.”
Margaret O’Rourke Doherty, CEO of HABIC.
The key advice for customers of the hair and beauty sector is to follow the public health advice and specifically the following key points in the case of salon visits:
Please do not attend salons if:
- There are any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
- The customer has been in close contact, with anyone who is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19.
- The customer has been abroad in the last 14 days.
If any of the above apply, we kindly ask that customers reschedule their appointment.
Appointments:
- When attending appointments, customers are asked to arrive on time.
- Due to decreased capacity, customers are asked to come alone.
- In line with public health advice and for the purpose of contact tracing, customers will be asked a series of relevant questions.
- On arrival, customers will be asked to sanitise their hands.
- Customers may also be provided with a fresh face mask.
- Throughout visits, customers are reminded to be mindful of social distancing.
- Regular cleaning and sanitisation will take place.
- When arranging appointments, clients may be asked for a booking deposit. This is a common and standard practice across the industry.
- We ask that customers give due notice if cancelling or rescheduling appointments, as cancellation policies may apply.
Last week HABIC wrote to the Government to highlight the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the sector in Ireland. It outlined the key supports needed to ensure the future sustainability of the sector and how many businesses are challenged to remain as a viable going concern. Businesses have been further challenged by a huge increase in black market trading.
HABIC has 2,500 members throughout Ireland and overall there are 9031 businesses in the sector. The economic value or GDP contribution of the sector in 2019 was €2,624 million in 2019, reduced to €1,740 million in 2020. In 2019 the industry provided 30,800 jobs and 18,480 indirectly, with these numbers reduced to 27,000 direct jobs and 16,200 indirect jobs in 2020, and decreasing.
HABIC COVID-19 Impact Report, apr 2021
HABIC is a non-profit, national organisation designed to support and enhance the sustainable development of the Irish Hair and Beauty industry. It is a progressive and transformative organisation working on behalf of its members to deliver a comprehensive action plan which ensures the voice and needs of the industry are recognised by all stakeholders. www.habic.ie
HABIC invites you to become a member of HABIC and join other industry professionals, owners, distributors, manufacturers, schools and students who are committed to growing and improving the Irish Hair and Beauty industry. JOIN NOW
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