NHBF's response to Northern Ireland Executive's 'hokey-cokey' decision

The Northern Ireland Executive late last week announced that close contact services, such as barbers, can open for a week after the latest coronavirus lockdown but will have to close again on Friday 27 November for a further two weeks.

This comes after salons and barbers in Northern Ireland had to close from Friday 16 October for a four-week period.

This is another huge blow to the hair and beauty sector in Northern Ireland where again last minute decisions have been made, without any clarification of the financial support which will be available, writes the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF).

The NHBF have reported that they are talking directly to the Northern Ireland Executive and expect further information on financial support packages early next week.

Richard Lambert, NHBF chief executive commented: “It’s almost inevitable that hair and beauty salons will want cram as much business as they can into the next week, so it’s vital that they remember to #DoItRight to keep themselves, the staff and their clients safe.

“No one wants to be closed a moment longer than necessary, but the growing sense of indecision and about-turns helps no one and is destroying confidence in the Executive. What businesses need from government right now is clear thinking, consistent decision-making and the common sense to confirm financial supports alongside any further restrictions.  What we’ve got is the Stormont version of the hokey-cokey."

 

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