Vocational training can continue during lockdown, ABT understands
ABT understands that hair and beauty education and training courses in vocational training environments can continue during the latest COVID-19 lockdown period in England, however is urging individual businesses to confirm their own status and eligibility with Local Authorities.
A Government source we are in communication with has confirmed: “Studying hair and beauty in vocational training environments may continue. This can include the use of other students from the cohort as models."
For adult education, the Government is asking providers to consider moving to online teaching where possible to do so while still achieving educational objectives, using existing flexibilities within the FE Operational guidance. ABT is, and has been throughout the pandemic, temporarily accepting digital learning in some cases as acceptable standard for insurance purposes.
Where education needs to continue on-site to enable access to equipment, or where students cannot access remote delivery, this can continue in a COVID-secure way. ABT understand salons and training establishments can also continue to use their premises to provide training.
ABT Director, Dave Horton, has written to the Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for further clarification, but ABT's understanding is that:
- Students can use other students as models and mannequin heads / hands but not members of the public.
- One-to-one and group teaching is allowed. There is no specified number of students within the information we have seen.
- COVID-secure guidelines for close contact working must be followed.
ABT Director, Dave Horton, comments:
“It is for each business to determine their eligibility and any claim will be individually judged by insurers and subject to the full policy terms and conditions. As long as you are following Government and Local Authority guidelines, which ABT urge each individual and unique business to check, the policy will respond in its normal way to claims arising.
“Where there are rules, there are always exceptions and businesses have the responsibility to interpret the rules and guidelines accurately. Where there is doubt, contact your Local Authority for guidance before proceeding.”
In guidance published yesterday (4th November), face coverings should be worn by students and staff in further education colleges in communal spaces, outside of classrooms, where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Useful links include:
BeautyandHairdressing have Covid-19 specific features and information:
The NHBF have a very useful and informative guide:
The British Beauty Council have a very simple and effective update page:
The UK Government Legislation guide can be found here:
ABT is advising members to continue to follow current guidelines in relation to business restrictions, social distancing and hand hygiene, which can be found at www.gov.uk.
Published: 5.11.2020. Correct at time of publication, subject to immediate change as more information becomes available and/or guidelines change.
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