73% of salons experiencing unprecedented cancellations due to Omicron variant

Hair and beauty salons are facing unprecedented levels of appointment cancellations during their busiest month of the year (December) due to clients having to self-isolate, or changing their mind about visiting the business because of “Plan B” and the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

According to a poll by The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), conducted on the membership body’s Instagram stories between December 16–17, 73% have experienced cancellations this month, while 56% reported a reduction in advance bookings following the recent changes to Government guidance – the introduction of Plan B. 

More than half of the 4,000-plus respondents also said that the cancellations had already caused a lot of disruption to their businesses. However, it’s not just cancellations affecting salons, as 28% of businesses also reported disruption due to staff shortages and staff having to self-isolate after contracting Covid-19.

See the NHBF’s full poll results here:

Since the introduction of Plan B in England and the emergence of the Omicron variant across the UK, have you received cancellations because of clients changing their mind or self-isolating?

Yes – 73%

No – 27%

How much has this disrupted your business?

A little – 49%

A lot – 51%

 

Have the recent changes in Covid guidance reduced advance bookings?

 

Yes – 56%

No – 44%

 

During December, has your business had to close temporarily due to Covid restrictions or self-isolation rules?

 

Yes – 12%

No – 88%

 

During December, have you had issue with staff shortages due to staff having to isolate or care for others isolating?

 

Yes – 28%

No – 72%

 

Richard Lambert, chief executive of the NHBF, said: “The industry had shown its resilience and was on the path to recovery, but early indications show that that the combination of Omicron and Plan B are having a drastic effect on bookings and footfall in salons during a time in which the sector relies heavily on cash generated in December to get them through the quieter months in January and February. 

“The Government needs to provide targeted financial support to help the industry quickly, whether by reallocating existing resources or making new support available.”

Don’t miss: [Update] Government guidance updated for close contact services in England

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