Private education and practical work on others

[Sheppard Digital]

My wife works for two different private training organisations in the hair and beauty sector. During the last lockdown staff have been delivering theory based work remotely. Most of the theory aspect of the qualifications is complete, and it leaves just the practical side of things left to complete.

Obviously they're going back onto premises next week, but my wife is getting conflicting information from each organisation as to what is happening in terms of Covid safety. So far one organisation hasn't confirmed much at all other than all learners are to attend as normal as from Monday, with no restrictions on class sizes etc. The other organisation has stipulated that she must keep 2 metres away from learners at all times, but also that learners can carry out practical work on each other. There will be no testing taking place at either organisation as far as we're aware.

The guidance provided by the government seems to leave certain specifics open to interpretation. Does anyone know whether or not learners would be allowed to have physical contact with each other to perform practical work in an education environment?

My wife is concerned that each organisation is going to twist the guidance to suite their circumstances and put her and her learners at unnecessary risk. She's already spoken with one of the qualification providers who say that the government guidelines don't say that learners can work and have directly contact with each other, but at the same time the guidance doesn't say that they can't. I don't think the provider wants to commit either way.

 

[WaveJumper]

Well this is from the GOV website:
"Updated COVID-19 secure guidance sets out the measures that those providing close contact services should follow to protect staff and customers. Only services that do not involve work in the highest risk zone – directly in front of the face – should be made available to clients. This means that treatments such as face waxing, eyelash treatments, make-up application and facial treatments, should not be provided until government advice changes, due to the much greater risk of transmission".

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/...ces-next-week-under-new-government-guidelines

 

[Sheppard Digital]

Thanks.

So that implies that hair can still take place. If that's the case, why can't hairdressers open?

EDIT: I just noticed, that's from July 2020, so it's not applicable to next week.

 

[WaveJumper]

Have a look here this might help
https://www.beautyandhairdressing.co.uk/Latest-UK-beauty-and-hairdressing-restrictions.html

 

[Sheppard Digital]

Sadly that doesn't give us any useful information. It says hair salons can't open, but it says 'Further education establishments may open from March 8th'.

Just that alone is open to interpretation. Further education can open, does that mean they can offer services to the public? Everything is just a bit vague.

 

[WaveJumper]

Don't shot the messenger but the way I was reading this is "Beauty and hair businesses in England may able to open from Monday 12th April, in the second phase of the UK's roadmap to exit COVID-19 lockdown.

However 'education establishments may open from Monday 8th March" as long as they adhere to the rules laid out on the GOV UK website which cover some of the following: Where 2 metre social distancing cannot be maintained, for example when providing a treatment, the person providing the service should wear further protection in addition to any that they may usually wear.
This should be a clear visor that covers the face, or the use of a screen or other barrier that protects the practitioner and the customer from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing or speaking.

So I assume the same practises would be expected whether in a teaching or a normal work environment. I should add I have a teacher up stairs giving online lessons and my sons girl friend is a hair dresser .......... it's a wonder at the moment how anyone in the house has got any hair left at all