Working Across Different Tiers in England: Your Questions Answered

Earlier in October, the Prime Minister announced  a new three-tier system for England. The Local COVID Alert Levels - "medium" (Tier 1), "high" (Tier 2) and "very high" (Tier 3) - are implemented depending on local infection rates. 

Questions still remain for beauty therapists and hairdressers on whether they can travel to areas of higher restrictions, treat clients in their home - and treat clients in a lower-tier.

Can I work as a mobile beauty therapist in Tier 2 & 3 - and visit client’s homes?

While the highest tier (tier 3) in areas of high risk and a large number of infections does not allow mixing of households indoors and outdoors, including in private gardens - this does not apply to registered businesses entering home (at the current moment).

This therefore means that mobile beauty therapists can continue working as long as they follow the government guidelines on working in the close contact industry. This includes wearing the appropriate PPE equipment (mask and visor/googles) and carrying around a QR code even as a mobile therapist.

In Tier 3, the highest level of restrictions, personal care may be included but this will be decided in conjunction with local government - so far, no Tier 3 areas have required the closure of beauty salons.

Can I treat clients who travel from a higher tier in my salon?

Beauty therapists and hairdressers in all tiers can continue travelling to and from work - this includes tier 3.

This means that while you can continue to treat clients from tier 2 and 3, clients in tier 2 and 3 should only arrive by themselves or with their household or support bubble.

Clients from Tier 3 are not advised to travel outside their tier for non-essential purposes - therefore they are unlikely to attend beauty salons outside of their tier - although they remain legally permitted to.

Can I travel from a lower tier, into a higher tier?

The government advises against travelling into a higher tier, except “for things like work, education or youth services, to meet caring responsibilities or if you are travelling through as part of a longer journey”.

Likewise, you can travel from Tier 3 into a lower tier for work purposes.