A SALON in Dorset temporarily closed its doors because it is unable to get stock from Tier 4 businesses – as staff also turned away residents wanting a haircut from Tier 4 areas.

Andrew Mirza, director of Kutting Edge in Blandford Forum, has made the decision despite the business being in Tier 3 area but noted that he, and another staff member, travel from a Tier 4 area.

Mr Mirza, who lives in Bournemouth, buys his stock locally in the town, but cannot purchase items required for his salon as they have closed under Tier 4 restrictions, leaving his business without ‘vital’ stock.

These includes PPE, namely gowns, gloves, face masks for his employees as well as hairdressing items including gel, shampoo and hair colouring products.

He says these items are ‘very simple’ and what a ‘basic salon needs for day-to-day running.’

He said: “The problem is that I have people who live in Tier 4 and businesses I use are in Tier 4.

“I was looking for stock for the salon, but major stockers are closed due to Tier 4 until further notice. I would prefer to use these businesses as I cannot just buy stock from other businesses when I don’t know their quality or reputation.

“I have made the decision to shut because although we have five staff members who live locally, we often make people aware of the rules but this can also put people on edge.

“It is all a little odd. The last thing I want to do is talk about Covid – I just want to cut hair.”

Not only has Mr Mirza faced issues getting stock from reputable and trusted businesses, but his staff have also had people travel from Tier 4 areas asking for a haircut.

Tier 4 restrictions mean residents must stay at home but can only leave their address unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’, such as buying essentials, medicine, or attending medical appointments.

Mr Mirza said: “I have had staff call me about people asking if they can get a haircut and say they are coming from Bournemouth.

“Tier 3 is a safe haven and no one to say where exactly they are coming from.

“However, Blandford Forum is a tight community and everyone knows each other and recognises people. The staff are hot on it and they have challenged people and told them they cannot cut their hair.

“This is quite serious. People should stay at home.”

As Kutting Edge is voluntarily closing down, despite being allowed to open under Tier 3 guidelines, the business is unable to claim further Government funding.

Mr Mirza has called upon the Government to support his business and others in a similar position, after previously being issued business grants.

He described the impact of closing his business as ’massive’, before adding: “I have chosen to shut down because of my staff.

“I have to look after them and I have to make sure they are safe. If I choose to shut down, I get no funding from the Government.

“But on the other hand, I think my staff’s health and wellbeing is much more important.”

A spokesman for HM Treasury said the Government’s priority has been to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods and will spend more than £280 billion this year in supporting businesses.

He said: “We understand the pressure businesses in affected areas are currently under, which is why we’re helping them through the pandemic and protecting jobs with a £280bn support package that is one of the most generous in the world.

“We’ve extended furlough until April, our various loan schemes continue to support firms, and we are giving grants of up to £3,000 a month for businesses forced to close - with grants of up to £2,100 per month to those which aren’t closed but are severely affected by restrictions.”

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