The hairdressing sector asks for clear rules for its services during confinement
The hairdressing sector at the national level asks for specificity in the norms that regulate their work during the period of confinement and points out that there are "inconsistencies" between the norms published in the BOE and the recommendations that the Government gives through other services.
This has been denounced by Cristina Aguirre, hairdresser and representative of the United Hairdressers Platform in Navarra, who requested information on the services of the sector through the WhatsApp channel enabled by the Government for questions regarding the period of confinement.
The response, which is attached to the conversation with EFE, indicates that "only the hairdressing service at home will be maintained to guarantee the care and hygiene of the most vulnerable people." A shocking response, they denounce, with what is stated in the Royal Decree that regulates the economic activities affected by COVID-19.
José Pérez Romero is responsible for the United Hairdressers Platform in Madrid and co-founder of the national network and refers to the Royal Decree published on March 18 in which "the end of the economic activity of hairdressers was clearly expressed, except for the home service, without specifying the customer's profile ".
Now, the government chat gives them the answer: it should only be for clients with reduced mobility. They point out, however, that this clientele represents a minimum of one year, "two or three" in the case of Aguirre, a hairdresser from Navarra. Pérez, from Madrid, points out that he has "a client" with these characteristics.
And that's where his second problem appears: "Almost all hairdressers have asked for the cessation of activity, so we cannot do this activity at home, because it would be 'in the black'."
Aguirre also points out that there is "a willingness on the part of the hairdressing sector to make these outings at home, together with Social Services, who are the ones who normally carry out these functions" and wash, cut and fix their hair "without professional judgment, but they do it "
Both Pérez and Aguirre indicate that in this situation the sector is willing to carry out these services at home "in a free, voluntary way." They admit that although "thinking now about getting some highlights or retouching the roots is perhaps a bit frivolous, it does affect people's mood and psychological state."
However, they demand that in this case it is the public authorities who grant them the essential equipment to work safely. "We are ready for it, but we need all the guarantees, from step 1 to the end." Among them, they ask to have an authorization to make the exits, EPI equipment and masks.
To the uncertainty of their employment situation, and of what services may be required of them in this confinement, is added the economic situation. "Practically all hairdressers (members of the Platform) have ceased our activity," with a "very high representation of self-employed, more than 50% are self-employed self-employed," says Pérez.
This situation also makes it impossible for them to follow the recommendations of federations of hairdressers, who have urged them to resort to unions and employers to request these protective equipment. "What employer? If I am myself in my hairdressing salon," replies Aguirre.
Both professional representatives have also shown their fear of the future and believe that "many will fall" after this crisis. "Much of the sector already lives in a normal situation, so the future will be difficult for a good part of us and many of us will have to close our businesses," says Pérez.
Ana Isabel Cordobés