‘They’re saying no’: Hairdressing industry flags vaccine refusal among business owners
From next month, NSW residents will be allowed once again to get a haircut under the reopening roadmap announced today – however, they might struggle to make a booking.
Australian Hairdressing Council CEO Sandy Chong told Deborah Knight many hairdressers will be unable to reopen due to delays getting vaccinated – particularly in the regions.
“Over 20 per cent of our industry doesn’t want to get vaccinated at all … they’re saying ‘no’ to vaccinations.
“They believe that they should have a freedom of choice.”
Restrictions on the reopening, including capacity limits and vaccination requirements, will make many beauty businesses unviable, she added.
“The five clients [rule] does not make sense at all.
“Are we going to turn [unvaccinated] people away? How much is that going to cost us? Some of these people we’ve known for … 30 years, 40 years.”
Press PLAY below to hear the response from hairdressers
Hair and Beauty Australia National President Maureen Harding called in to Afternoons to dispute the findings of the Australian Hairdressing Council’s survey.
“Our members, and we’ve done surveys, are more than ready to get back.
“We have to listen to the epidemiologists, the experts, and take heed.”
Press PLAY below to hear the full call
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Image: Getty