On Saturday evening Prime Minister Boris Johnson once again addressed the nation to explain that we haven’t done enough to curb this pandemic.
As a consequence he is proposing a new national lockdown which will see the closure of all non-essential shops including all related to the beauty industry.
On Wednesday Parliament will vote on these new restrictions on Wednesday 4th November and if passed will take effect on Thursday 5th November and is expected to last throughout the whole of November until December 2nd.
What will happen after the 2nd December is based largely on the severity of infection in your local area.
However, Cabinet Minister Michael Gove told Sky News on November 1st that lockdown might be extended beyond December 2nd, but the Government will continue to review the data and follow the facts.
The new rules
The latest lockdown rules force all non-essential retail and beauty services to close, and the mixing of households, except for childcare and other forms of support, are banned.
This means that alongside the closure of salons, mobile beauticians will also have to stop work, until December 2nd, at least.
What if I’ve already have a beauty appointment?
Any appointments booked during lockdown will have to be cancelled. However, many beauty salons have already extended their opening hours from Sunday, November 1st to Wednesday, November 4th, to fit in extra appointments, check with your beautician to see if they can see you before the 5th November.
The furlough scheme extended
Along with the new restrictions the Prime Minister announced the extension of the furlough scheme.
For businesses that can apply for furlough, the scheme is being extended throughout November with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500
Additionally, any business premises forced to close in England are to receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant.