30 March 2020

Get our latest information 

Here’s a round-up of everything we know so far and links to further information on the government website: 

Industry donations and voluntary work 

We’re hearing news that salons and barbershops are donating equipment such as gloves and face masks to the NHS. We also know that many in our industry have volunteered to help the NHS at this time. Please contact us to let us know what you’re doing to help beat coronavirus and support our NHS.

Chair/space/room renting: rent payments 

If you use the NHBF chair/space/room renting agreements, the following applies:

This information was updated on 1 April and can be found here.

 If you do not use NHBF contracts, you will need to take legal advice. 

Home appointments: just say no 

We are now hearing that some clients are offering substantial amounts of money for home appointments. Our strong advice is to say no. We need to work together to stop the spread of this virus and visiting a client in their home is against strict government guidelines. In addition, your insurance would probably not cover you if you normally work in a salon or barbershop. 

Job retention scheme 

The government has now released more detailed information about how the coronavirus job retention scheme will operate. It’s expected that it will be up and running by the end of April. We’ll keep you posted. Read our detailed FAQs. 

Loan scheme 

The coronavirus business interruption loan scheme is now open for applications. Find out more on the government website. 

Support for the self-employed 

More help for the self-employed has been announced by the government. Find out more. 

Scam warning

The government has stressed that you cannot apply for this scheme yet. HMRC will contact you if you are eligible – but this will not happen for a while. In the meantime, the government has issued the following warning about scammers and fraudsters: 

You will access this scheme only through the government website. If someone texts, calls or emails claiming to be from HMRC, saying that you can claim financial help or are owed a tax refund, and asks you to click on a link or to give information such as your name, credit card or bank details, it is a scam. 

Everyone, not only the self-employed, should be extra wary of scammers and fraudsters at this time. 

Coronavirus FAQs 

Our FAQs are regularly updated. Check back often for the latest information. 

See all updates