Approximately 40,000 hairdressers and barbers continue to be at risk following the Federal Government's announcement last night to leave hairdressing off its latest COVID-19 shut down list.
In addition, salons are forced to only conduct 30 minute appointments, which is not a viable time frame to conduct most hairdressing services and offer a professional experience for clients.
"This decision is outrageous," says Australian Hairdressing Council CEO Sandy Chong. "Around 40,000 hairdressers and barbers continue to be at risk of as they are directly exposed to large members of the public. Why beauty was shut down but hairdressing wasn't, I don't understand.
"The Fair Work Act, as it stands, makes it costly for businesses if they choose to stand down without the Government's directive."
"As for the 30 minute appointment rule, that cuts out most services that salons offer their clients, particularly colour. Whilst many barbers can do a male haircut within that time frame, it really isn't feasible for a majority of hairdressing salons."
At tonight's National Cabinet meeting, Ms Chong says its vital that the stand down of hairdressing and barbering is on the schedule for discussion.
"We must be on the agenda at tonight's meeting so that this decision can be reversed. The Government must close hairdressing and barbering down for the safety of our workers and the community."
