7 October 2020

This update covers: 

  • Scottish announcement: salons and barbershops not directly affected.
  • Job Retention Scheme: update.
  • NHBF calls for more financial support.
  • England and Wales: local restrictions financial support.
  • Spa update.

 Scottish announcement: salons and barbershops not directly affected 

The Scottish Government has announced new local restrictions today (7 October 2020) but salons and barbershops are not directly affected. The new restrictions will last for 16 days and include: 

  • People in the central belt (the health boards covering Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian, and Forth Valley) should avoid public transport unless ‘absolutely necessary’ and should not travel outside the area they live in unless absolutely necessary. People should not travel to the central belt if they don’t need to. 
  • In the central belt areas, licensed premises will have to close from Friday. In addition, snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling alleys, casinos and bingo halls will close in these areas from 10 October 2020. 
  • Other restrictions will apply to pubs, restaurants and cafes outside the central belt across Scotland. 

Job Retention Scheme: update 

You can now check your eligibility and find out how to apply for the Job Retention Scheme. 

The Job Retention Scheme will offer a £1,000 one-off taxable payment to employers for each eligible employee who was furloughed and kept continuously employed until 31 January 2021. 

You’ll be able to claim the payment between 15 February 2021 and 31 March 2021. You do not have to pay this money to your employee. 

NHBF calls for more financial support for hair and beauty 

The NHBF has written to Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, and Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, to push for:

  • Hardship grants for our sector.
  • Local lockdown grants in Scotland.

 Read the letters to Fiona Hyslop and Ken Skates. 

England and Wales: local restrictions financial support 

The local restrictions support grant (LRSG) supports businesses in England that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdowns imposed by the government. The grant is for businesses that pay business rates. Local councils may at their discretion provide funding for businesses that don’t pay business rates. Find out more on the government website. 

Funding has also been allocated in Wales for businesses affected by local lockdowns. Find out more. 

Spa update 

The current situation across the four nations for spas is: 

England

Saunas and steam rooms can now open in England (from 1 October 2020). Spas operating saunas, steam rooms, gyms, hot tubs, spa pools, whirlpools, hydrotherapy or swimming pools must follow government guidance for gym/leisure facilities.  

Wales

Spas operating gyms, hot tubs, spa pools, whirlpools, hydrotherapy, and swimming pools must follow Welsh Government guidance for gym/leisure facilities.

Saunas and steam rooms should remain closed.

Scotland

Spas are to remain closed in Scotland until further notice.  

Northern Ireland

Spas are open in Northern Ireland, including saunas and steam rooms. 

Stay up to date with our four nations blog post. 

See all updates