The National Hair and Beauty Federation has published a list of guidelines to help combat the spread COVID-19 ahead of salons potentially reopening next month.
These guidelines include a number of precautions that should be adhered to by both technician and customer.
It’s advised that chatting should be kept to a “minimum” and stylists should “avoid face-to-face discussions with clients” when salons reopen post lockdown, which is bound to be a relief to those who hate small talk.
Any discussions about cut, colour and treatments “should be made via the mirror while standing behind the client and kept to a minimum” and it’s stated that stylists can “lower the risk of infection if [they] stand or sit side-to-side, rather than facing people”.
Salons are urged to “consider offering online consultations” as this will hope to “reduce the appointment time” and could even be done before premises are fully open.
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Other guidelines advised include the cutting out of “walk-in” appointments and encouraging customers not to bring coats and jackets into salons when the weather is warm, as the virus is reported to be able to stay on fabrics for days at a time.
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Whilst no set date has been confirmed by the government for when hairdressers and barbers will be given the green light to reopen doors to customers once again, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Dominic Raab, has previously stated in an appearance on Sky News that: “From 4th July, at the earliest, we’ll look at other sectors and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care and people like hairdressers”.
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A spokesperson for the National Hair and Beauty Federationtold The Sun that “salons are [also] putting their own rules in place based on common sense”.
Alan Simpson, Managing Director of hairdressing company, Contemporary Salons in Yorshire, added that: “To ensure that all our clients feel confident and relaxed during their visit we have installed protective screens at reception, every two work stations and at the backwash to allow social distancing.”
“Staff will also be adhering to the silence rule at the backwash so, not only can guests relax and enjoy their head massage, they can also feel reassured that germs and air particles are kept to a minimum.”
For more information ahead of salon reopening, please find the guidelines provided by the National Hair and Beauty Federationhere.
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Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Uber has officially started trialling driverless taxis in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… driverless taxis have hit the streets of Manchester.
As the leading transportation company looks to bring robotaxis to other major cities around the UK, it has been confirmed that a trial of autonomous vehicles is now underway in Manchester – with the services being operated using the technology of Uber’s partner firms, Pony and Verne.
Uber said it was ‘excited’ to take this first step toward ‘making this technology accessible’ to people across the UK.
The three companies first collaborated on the deployment of a commercial robotaxi service back in March of this year, combining Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system, Uber’s global mobility platform, and Verne’s service ecosystem and operational framework.
At this time, there has been no official application to launch passenger services in Manchester, according to The Guardian.
However, posts on various social media platforms – such as X, LinkedIn, and Instagram – by each of the companies this week have confirmed that trials are underway in the city.
“New technologies play an increasingly important role in the growth of our city region,” TfGM said. “But they need to be introduced responsibly, safely and with real thought about what it means for our residents.
“Safety will always be our top priority, and we will need strong assurances that no vehicles will operate on our roads that pose any risk to residents.”
Manchester, we’re on our way! Today, we’re announcing that we’re partnering with @Verne_robotaxi and @PonyAI_tech to pilot autonomous vehicles in Manchester. Building on our service together in Zagreb, Gen-7 Robotaxis are now testing in Manchester.
We’re excited to take this first step toward making this technology accessible to people across the UK. 🇬🇧
“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th June 2020 
