Mobile hairdresser calls for more Covid support for the hair and beauty industry

Sarah Wood has been serving customers as a mobile hairdresser for more than 25 years.

The 46-year-old from Eckington, had to claim through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, during the times she has been forced to close because of Covid restrictions.

During the first lockdown Sarah had to wait six weeks before being able to receive support payments.

She said: “During the first lockdown, I was left from March to the middle of April before I could claim.

"So for six weeks I was left with nothing,and the same again with this lockdown.

“The first lockdown was really frightening, the payments didn’t cover all outgoings.”

She added: “Don’t get me wrong I think the government has been brilliant at paying out what they have paid out, I’m self employed so can’t be furloughed.

Sarah feels there is more which could be done, while some industries have been given a break from VAT payments, while the hair and beauty sector have not.

“We haven’t had any VAT cuts on our products, which I think for the hair and beauty industry probably could be looked at,” she said.

“So when we are back on our feet, I hope the Government give us a bit of a helping hand.

“The pubs have had ‘ Eat Out to Help Out,’ and the hair and beauty industry have had nothing.”

During this current lockdown, Sarah is ideally placed to work with clients who are shielding.

“Some people prefer me to go into their homes rather than them go out to hairdressers,” she said.

“Obviously it costs a lot with PPE and it’s taking a lot more time because of the clean down afterwards.”

Sarah did consider leaving the profession,but had a change of heart.

“I’m sticking with it, I’ve been mobile for over 25 years and I’ve got some clients that I’ve had right from the beginning, so I don’t want to do anything else, she said.

“I have thought about going into something else and then thought you know what, I can’t go through this again.

"I do love my job and I don’t want to stop.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.