Wigan business bosses’ dismay as lockdown two arrives

Beauty salons across Wigan are cramming in customers before Thursday while reeling from the uncertainty of a new lockdown.

Under Boris Johnson’s severe new national lockdown rules, personal care facilities including beauty salons and hairdressers must close from midnight tomorrow until December 2.

Many are having to cancel appointments with their loyal clients which comes as a blow to those that have worked hard to re-open.

Claire Bailey, owner of Hair Envy on Bishopgate said: “It’s just a nightmare, I don’t think there’s any other word.

“I’m quite a strong person like I get on with it, but yesterday it really did affect me.

“I worry about finances and business; it’s our livelihood and I think it’s the impact on everyone’s mental health that’s concerning.

“It was only last week that I spent an absolute fortune in preparation for Christmas and I’m thinking there’s no way I’m going to see a return on that.

“That’s the frightening thing, all the uncertainty, the unknown.”

Ms Bailey is disappointed at having to cancel and postpone appointments with valued customers.

She said: “It’s such a personal industry, we know our clients and our clients become our friends.

“It’s more than just a job.”

Salons were able to re-open in the summer as restrictions were eased but getting customers back through the doors has not been easy for many owners.

Bridie Beverton, from Perfectly on Fleek said: “Just as I’ve got my clients back the rules have come out and then the clients go away again and don’t get the courage to come back.

“I’ve been lucky to get three clients a week whereas before I was fully booked.”

The business upstairs from Ms Beverton has sadly had to close, leaving her struggling to pay both halves of their shared bills.

She believes the lockdown rules constantly changing is causing confusion and argues her salon is “cleaner than a supermarket”.

She said: “We sanitise, use clean sheets for everyone, clean towels for everyone and it’s on a one-to-one basis it’s not like a shop full of people it’s much safer.”

She encourages her clients to book appointments for the new year in order for her and other businesses to focus on a light at the end of the tunnel.

On the prospect of national lockdown potentially lasting beyond a month, Ms Bailey said: “I’m trying to not even think about it to be honest.

“I’m just struggling to take it in, it’s all a bit overwhelming.”

The new lockdown, where people will be told to stay at home once again, will come into force on tomorrow and will be reviewed on Wednesday December 2.

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