16 September 2020

This update covers:

  • Court ruling on business interruption insurance.
  • Wales: clients must now wear face coverings.
  • England: goggles can be worn instead of a visor.
  • England: hot and cold drinks can now be served.
  • England: collecting contact details now required by law.
  • New apps for England, Wales and Scotland.
  • England: new local lockdown grants for eligible businesses.

Court ruling on business interruption insurance

Earlier this year, many salons and barbershops were dismayed to be told by their insurer that their business insurance did not cover any losses caused by the coronavirus shutdown.

This may change following a test case brought by the Financial Conduct Authority. The result of yesterday’s High Court hearing could mean that insurers will have to pay out. However, the fine detail is yet to emerge and the judgment may not apply to all policies. The insurance companies can also appeal against the decision. Insurance companies should contact affected policy holders within the next seven days. Find out more.

Wales: salon and barbershop clients must now wear face coverings

The Welsh Government has made it a legal requirement for face coverings to be worn by clients and staff in all indoor public places, including salons and barbershops. Find out more on the Welsh Government website.

Read our four nations blog post for information about extra PPE requirements when carrying out close contact services.

England: goggles can be worn instead of a visor

The guidelines for England have now been updated to say that stylists, therapists and barbers should wear a clear visor or goggles and a Type II face mask.

Goggles may be used as an alternative to a clear visor, when worn with a Type II face mask. To be worn in place of a clear visor, goggles must be close fitting with no obvious openings or vents that would otherwise allow droplets to enter the eyes. Reusable eye protection should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ​Read the updated guidelines on the government website.

England: hot and cold drinks can now be served

Salons and barbershops can now provide hot or cold drinks to clients in disposable cups or bottles. Don’t provide food to be eaten by clients. Encourage clients to only remove their mask to drink. When clients have removed their masks, you should ensure you are socially distanced from them (two metres, or one metre if extra protections are in place such as screens or visors/goggles and face masks).

England: collecting contact details now required by law

From 18 September 2020, salons and barbershops in England will be required by law to keep a temporary record of clients and visitors for 21 days and assist NHS ‘Test and Trace’ with requests for contact information if needed. Find out more on the government website.

New apps for England, Scotland and Wales

Find out about the NHS COVID-19 app – part of the NHS Test and Trace service in England and the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect service in Wales. The app, which is due to launch on 24 September 2020, allows people to report symptoms, order a coronavirus test and check into venues by scanning a QR code. It also helps the NHS trace individuals who may have coronavirus.

Salons and barbershops across England and Wales are being urged to ensure they have NHS QR code posters visible on entry so customers who have the new app can use their smartphones to easily check-in.

In Wales, premises which are required to collect details of staff, customers and visitors must continue to do so, including people who check in through the app. Find out more on the Welsh website.

In Scotland, the Protect Scotland app can now be downloaded. This tool complements the existing person-to-person contact tracing which remains the main component of NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect system. Find out more.

England: new local lockdown grants for eligible businesses

Salons and barbershops in England that are required to shut during local lockdowns will now be able to claim up to £1,500 per property every three weeks. Local authorities will be responsible for distributing the grants. Find out more on the government website.

See all updates

For legal advice, Members can login to get our 24/7 legal helpline number. Again, please be patient. The legal team is also dealing with a huge number of calls.