13 August 2020

This update covers: 

  • Lobbying for the beauty industry
  • Funding to support apprenticeships in Scotland
  • Northern Ireland launches ‘StopCOVID NI’ app
  • Joint survey on commercial rent carried out by NHBF 

Lobbying for the beauty industry 

We are still waiting for the government to announce when treatments in the highest risk zone will be allowed in England. The current ban is in place until at least 15 August 2020. 

The NHBF has written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak urging him to consider extending financial support for those businesses hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic including the UK’s hair and beauty sector. 

The letter asks for an extension to both the furlough and the self-employment income support schemes until 1 January 2021, or a one-off hardship grant for those affected. 

Raising funds and awareness 

The ‘Beauty Backed’ team fundraiser has already raised over £300,000 for those in the beauty industry who are unable to work. The NHBF supports a letter Beauty Backed has written to key government figures, including the Prime Minister, lobbying for the beauty industry to be allowed back to work. 

Funds raised by Beauty Backed will be distributed by the Hair & Beauty Charity which has also set up a relief fund. 

Funding to support apprenticeships in Scotland 

The Scottish Government has announced £10 million funding for a range of measures to recruit and retain apprentices, including additional support for the Scottish Government’s Adopt an Apprentice programme. Find out more. 

Northern Ireland launches ‘StopCOVID NI’ app 

Northern Ireland has launched a free ‘StopCOVID NI’ app with the aim of supporting the health service and preventing another lockdown. Download the explainer leaflet. 

Joint survey on commercial rent carried out by NHBF 

The NHBF has carried out a joint survey with the Independent Retailers Consortium (IRC) about commercial rent payments during the coronavirus crisis. The main findings include:

  • Despite being closed and having no income in the second quarter of the year, 57% of business owners who responded to the survey were still paying 100% of their rent.
  • Of those who discussed rental payments with their landlord, 60% received no help from their landlord.
  • Only 7% of respondents said their landlord had consulted the government’s code of practice on commercial rent payments.
  • Respondents said that a government grant would be the best option to help with rent payments. 

The findings will help the NHBF represent Members’ best interests when lobbying government. 

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