19 January 2021

This update covers:

  • Latest on business interruption insurance.
  • Financial support across the four nations.
  • England guidance for closed businesses updated.

Latest on business interruption insurance

The Supreme Court has ruled that some insurance companies must pay out to policy holders who made claims under their business interruption cover. 

Many insurance companies refused to accept claims at first, but the Supreme Court has ruled that policy holders are entitled to claim under certain types of policy and has told insurers to pay out in these cases as soon as possible.

Which insurers have to pay out?

This ruling applies to 14 types of insurance policy issued by six insurers and also applies to many other similar policies held by business owners. 

All insurance companies now have to review their policies in the light of this judgment.

Contact your insurance provider to find out how the court ruling affects you.

Find out more on the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) website. The FCA will be publishing Q&As to help policy holders understand the ruling and a list of policy types that are affected. 

Financial support for businesses across the four nations

The financial support available across the four nations for hair and beauty businesses continues to change in response to the latest lockdowns. Some schemes have now ended and new ones have been introduced.

Make sure you claim all the financial support you are entitled to. Find out more on our website:

Financial support for businesses in England

Financial support for businesses in Wales

Financial support for businesses in Scotland

Financial support for businesses in Northern Ireland

England guidance for closed businesses updated

The guidance for closed businesses in England has just been updated. The full guidance can be read on the government website, but key points for the hair and beauty industry include:

Personal care facilities and close contact services must close. This includes:

  • Hair, beauty and nail salons.
  • Tattoo parlours.
  • Spas, saunas, steam rooms.
  • Massage centres.
  • Body and skin piercing services.
  • Tanning salons.

These venues may continue to sell retail goods (such as shampoo or beauty products) online or via click-and-collect.

Those who provide personal care services from a mobile setting including their own home, in other people’s homes and in retail environments (such as a concession in a larger, separate business) must also stop operating.

Personal care services provided for essential medical and health needs which cannot be delayed may continue. For example, treatments for a diagnosed health condition or injury that is currently causing severe pain or mobility issues, or severely impacting quality of life, or for cosmetic treatments associated with cancer treatment. This does not include services provided for general stress relief, relaxation or preventative healthcare purposes. The guidance on safer working should always be followed.

Make-up artists in film and TV production, and on fashion shoots can continue to work, but not in premises required to close.

See all updates