A BEAUTY therapist based in Chester says she is "outraged" by the Government's "illogical" decision not to allow beauty salons to reopen.

Jane Napier, who owns The Academy of Beauty and Aesthetics on Stanney Mill Road, is in the process of launching a petition so the issue can be debated in Parliament.

The Government confirmed yesterday that hairdressers could reopen from July 4 in the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions – but Prime Minister Boris Johnson said beauty salons and nail bars would remain shut "for now".

He added that they will be able to reopen "when we are confident that they can operate in a Covid-secure way".

Jane, who through her business provides training courses all over the UK, described the decision as "illogical" and fears many beauty establishments will be forced to shut permanently.

She explained: "I am outraged and quite frankly baffled by the illogical recent government guidance.

"I am unsure why beauty and aesthetics establishments are still under restriction. In the industry we educate, and practice health and safety and infection control on a daily basis.

"Our knowledge of how to keep practitioners and clients safe is advanced. The industry has been working hard to enforce further safety measures in preparation for reopening.

"I find it hard to believe that other sectors, such as hospitality, are able to reopen when social distancing is unlikely to be maintained and certainly infection risks due to numbers will be far higher.

"Whereas, in the beauty industry we work in full PPE – clients are now also required to wear PPE where possible – on a one-to-one basis. Where is the logic?

"The UK beauty industry is worth over £7.2 billion annually. This will have huge economic effects and many small businesses will not be able to continue.

"Which business is in a position to take on further financial risk at this current time? I have just launched a Government petition to have these restrictions reconsidered.

"My aim is to get 100,000 signatures and have it debated in Government. I will be posting to all industry forums to get the signatures needed to save our industry."

Jane says she is currently waiting to receive an official link her petition which she will post on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tabauk