Double Government support for hairdressers and barbers to help with reopening and staffing – Higgins

Restart payments of up to €10,000 for two weeks will aid businesses with their reopening costs, while an expansion of the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship will help salons take on new workers after a very difficult year for the industry, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Emer Higgins welcomed the recent announcements from Government saying: “Any business currently availing of the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), that can reopen as restrictions are eased, will be able to avail of double restart week payments for two weeks, subject to the statutory maximum of €5,000 per week.

“This is designed to help businesses in meeting the costs of reopening as they exit the scheme.

“I know that barbers, hairdressers and other personal service businesses are working really hard to get up and running so they can welcome their customers back on May 10^th. I for one am really looking forward to getting back into the salon chair!

“It’s important for businesses to be aware of this additional support and claim the grants available to ensure that those who were open before the pandemic can reopen, and crucially, stay open.

“I’m aware that hairdressers and barbers are also struggling with a skills shortage in their industry, and the hiring of new workers after the past year might be difficult for some salons. I was delighted to see Minister Simon Harris announce the expansion of the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship last weekend which will help salons take on apprentices and hopefully get back on their feet sooner than might have otherwise been the case.

“Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has made it very clear all along that there will be no cliff edge in financial supports for businesses. We understand that businesses will need support for some time, even if they are re-opening over the coming weeks, as capacity issues continue to challenge businesses due to social distancing and other ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

“The double CRSS payment is just one example of how we will support businesses to get back on their feet, just as we have supported them throughout the pandemic.

“The payment can be claimed at the end of the restriction period for the relevant industry, and businesses should apply via their CRSS claim portals on ROS,” Deputy Higgins concluded.