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SOME Brits desperate for a haircut will be able to get their locks chopped from today under plans to lift the country out of lockdown.
In Wales hairdressers and barbers can open for appointments as part of the relaxation of covid rules.
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Others will have to wait a little longer for a trim though.
Under his roadmap to reopen the country, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out key dates for when businesses can reopen.
Kids returned to school in England on March 8 and could finally meet up with a friend for a coffee or picnic outside.
Children are returning to primary schools in Wales from today as lockdown lifts.
Restrictions are expected to be further eased on April 12 when non-essential shops are expected to be allowed to open their doors again in England and Wales.
But when exactly can hairdressers reopen?
Hairdressers have been shut throughout the latest lockdown.
Before that, hair-cutting studios were also told to shut in Tier 4 areas as part of the regional tier system.
What four tests does the gov need to pass before easing restrictions?
1. The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
2. Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
3. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
4. Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.
When will hairdressers and barbers reopen?
Hairdressers and barbers in England can reopen from April 12 at the earliest as part of the second stage of easing lockdown restrictions, again, if conditions allow.
The reopening of businesses on this date will be assessed against four tests before restrictions can ease.
As long as the data allows, the PM aims to review and relax more rules every five weeks giving a week’s notice of the update.
Hairdressers and barbers were forced to shut during the first lockdown in March 2020 and were among the last to reopen in July 2020.
There was a second four-week shutdown in November that lasted until December 2.
Timeline for businesses reopening after lockdown
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has outlined his roadmap for easing England out of lockdown.
Businesses will be allowed to reopen on the following dates, as long as the “four steps to freedom” are met.
According to official guidance on the Gov.uk website, the following businesses can reopen from April 12 at the earliest if all goes to plan:
Non-essential retail
Hairdressers
Nail salons
Libraries
Community centres
Outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos and theme parks, but wider social contact rules will apply to prevent indoor mixing
Drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances
Gyms (but no exercise classes)
Swimming pools
Pubs (outdoor service only)
Restaurants (outdoor service only)
Holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households
When hairdressers reopen, it is likely that not every station in the salon will be used, with hairdressers working at every other station to maintain a two-metre distance between them.
The British Beauty Council recommends that staff wear gloves, masks and gowns, while customers will also likely have to wear masks.
Hairdressers in Wales have been closed since before Christmas.
The Welsh government announced at the end of last week that hairdressers could reopen from today (March 15) along with the lifting of other restrictions.
In Scotland hairdressers remain closed but are expected to open again from April 26 along with shops bars, restaurants and gyms.
Hairdressers in Northern Ireland remain closed and no date has been announced for when they will reopen yet.
What support is available for hairdressers?
Many hairdressers will be self-employed and could be eligible for support.
Self-employed workers can read our guide on how to get financial help during this crisis.
Some workers will be eligible for the furlough scheme – if you are, you can check our guide on what the emergency measures mean for you.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
When will non-essential shops open?
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The furlough scheme and support for the self-employed were both extended by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his Budget to support businesses as lockdown gradually eases.
The rules will be further relaxed on March 29, when either six people or two households will be able to meet outside.
From April 12, non-essential retail will reopen along with pubs and restaurants which can offer outside table service and takeaways.
Richard Lambert, National Hair and Beauty Federation Chief Exec on push by ministers to reopen hairdressers and nail salons alongside shops
