HABIC and industry representatives call on Irish Government to implement mandatory closure of all salons and spas during COVID-19 crisis
A letter to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar calling for clear COVID-19 guidance from the Irish Government and public health professionals in relation to the salon industry has been sent and signed by HABIC CEO Margaret O’Rourke Doherty, along with representatives from ISME, the Irish Hairdressers Federation, the Hairdressing Council of Ireland, the Irish Spa Association and Synergy Hair Group.
While the letter seeks an “inclusive economic recovery package that supports domestic SMEs in the hair, beauty and spa industry”, it also notes that as a collective of industry organisations, it does not believe that the industry at this point can meet the current social distancing requirements set out by the HSE.
“It is essential for the health and well-being of our society that the Irish Government gives clear leadership and direction by acting now to implement the mandatory closure of all salons, barbers and spas,” O’Rourke Doherty told Professional Beauty Ireland. “As it stands, it is not mandatory to close, therefore business owners and employers are being forced to make critical decisions. After speaking with many of the business owners who are still open, they want the decision taken out of their hands. The mandatory closure of the hair, beauty and spa industry will help curb community transmission, and save lives. As a society we do not want to follow the heartbreaking pattern of Italy.”
The letter also lays out details of a post-COVID-19 economic recovery package to support domestic SMEs with measures such as financial grant payments in order to ensure liquidity of organisations; reduction in the VAT rate to 9pc; reduction in employers’ PRSI contribution; and a freeze on commercial rents and rates.
“The pandemic is not only a global health crisis, it is an unprecedented economic crisis and has and will continue to have significant impact on the hair, beauty and spa industry,” said O’Rourke Doherty. “The current package of business supports announced by the Government will not meet the requirements of our domestic SMEs throughout the towns and villages of Ireland. It is essential that the Irish Government focuses on developing a truly inclusive economic recovery package that supports the rapid recovery of businesses. Getting salons and spa reopened, employees back doing what they do best and cash flowing through our economy is essential to Ireland’s recovery.”
Now those who work or have any involvement in the hair, beauty and spa industry have been asked to show their support by signing the petition on Change.org to show solidarity with their industry. This includes employers, employees, suppliers, educators, innovators and clients. Currently almost 2,500 have signed it.
