Hairdressers unite to slam 'selfish' undercover trade as illegal barber spoken to by South Tyneside Council officials

This comes as a group of North East barbers and hairdressers have come together to call for those in the industry who are still working to stop.

South Tyneside Council has confirmed it has received reports of barbers and hairdressers who are still operating despite lockdown regulations and had investigated all complaints.

A council spokesperson said: “We received 10 reports in total alleging businesses operating in contravention of business closure legislation.

“Only one business was found to be open and trading. The business closure requirements were explained to the operator and the matter dealt with informally.”

SB Barbering Academy owner, Vikki Smith has joined with other businesses in the region to condemn people working illegally.

She said: “We felt we must stand together to educate the public not to use barbers, hairdressers and beauty therapists who are going against government guidelines.

“The risk to the public is too great and professionals should know better than trading undercover, it’s ethically wrong and selfish.”

Helen Maguire owns Helrazors in South Tyneside was one of the founders of the group, she has been planning how to return to work safely and wants to share that with others.

She said: “As a team we have strategy in place to keep ourselves and our clients as safe as possible and we now have set up a group to help others.

“It’s reassuring to have local salon owners and professionals who are normally classed as a competitors now standing together.”

The group is also hoping to educate people that it is not safe to go against lockdown rules.

Mono Hair Design owner Kath Thompson said: “We would all like nothing more than to be cutting hair again, however the Government and health officials have stated it is not safe at this present time.

“It is irresponsible at present to carry out any form of hairdressing or barbering.”

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