Irish Spa Association calls for commercial rent support
The Irish Spa Association (ISA) has said that urgent commercial rent supports are needed to prevent thousands of spa, salon and beauty businesses from closing their doors permanently.
The industry body met with Minister for Business Damien English in early February to discuss the future of the sector, however, in light of the current Level 5 lockdown, it is calling for full commercial rent supports as it said some of these businesses are deferring rent payments upwards of €10,000 per month, with staff on PUP or wage subsidy payments.
Ireland is on the highest level of Covid restrictions until 5 April, when the situation will be reviewed, but the Tanaiste Leo Varadkar recently revealed that the hair and beauty industry would not reopen until at least late April or early May.
“It is with great urgency now that if businesses are being asked to remain shuttered past March that the Government steps up to the mark and addresses the inadequate supports in place,” said Anita Murray, co-founder, ISA.
“The prospect of extending the closures means debts will continue to climb and the all-important summer trading period will be eroded. Additional supports are urgently required if businesses are to survive and the sector can reopen and restore the jobs and livelihoods of over 25,000 currently laid off.”
According to ISA co-founder Peigin Crowley, there are real concerns within the sector about black market treatments. “They are a serious concern to us for three reasons: they can be dangerous, they could potentially spread Covid-19, and operators trade without insurance. As the summer comes in, so will the demand for black market treatments. These beauty professionals are desperate to maintain their income and I can understand at times that they feel they have no other choice.
“Irish salon and spa operators use medical grade PPE, perform temperature tests and should have access to antigen tests to ensure staff and clients are protected, particularly when they are utilised successfully in a widespread fashion in other countries, including the US, Canada, the UK and Switzerland.”
