Useful Resourses

Can I go back to work now?

Whilst we accept that certain businesses in the medical services industries (such as dental

surgeries, opticians and audiology clinics, physiotherapy clinics, chiropody and podiatry clinics, and other professional vocational medical services) may have already reopened, we strongly advise ABT members not to reopen until 29th June. There is room for ambiguity in many treatments, and as such we have adopted the blanket position that face to face treatments should not be performed until 29th June at the very earliest, dependent upon government advice. Beauty salons and hairdressers have been placed in Phase 3 of lifting of the public health restrictions which comes into action on Monday 20th July. It should be noted that this roadmap is subject to change and will only come into effect when the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) agrees that the conditions are right following successful Phases 1-2.

Has my insurance been frozen while I have been unable to work?

The answer is unfortunately not. ABT Membership and Insurance is for a ‘fixed term’ which means it cannot be extended or frozen. The insurance will continue to run and provide protection against claims, made in the situations where your policy is currently limited and valid for as mentioned before, virtual treatments, online consultations, tutorials for clients / occasional ‘teaching’ and demonstrations which can all be done within the guidelines of social distancing, or provide protection against claims which may still arise even if you are closed during this unfortunate situation. Therefore, as a gesture of good will we have put into place the 3 months free insurance offer, available as a one off to our members until September 2021. Once the code has been released all our members can take advantage online at the point of renewal.

Does my insurance, under normal trading circumstances, allow me to bulk buy nails, add nail art to them and sell them on to a customer as a painted set. I’m planning on supplying instructions on application and removal.

This is covered under Product Liability – and as such retailing of Products to non-treatment based clients and has a maximum €30k turnover. Providing that you are only retailing the “Press on nail” kits to your clients to apply themselves at home and providing the packs of nails come with clear written instructions on how to apply and remove them, this would be acceptable for insurance purposes. You would not be insured to ‘teach’ your clients how to apply and remove the false nails, you are simply selling the product to them as you would any other retail item e.g. a nail polish, cleanser etc. The above applies to other products ‘retailed’ and not used in conjunction with a treatment. Full policy details

should be checked and relevant qualifications held.

My insurance is due for renewal, but I am not working

You should consider, what does your policy provide you cover for? If the policy is for Professional Liability, Public & Product Liability Insurance which all ABT policies are, and you are still providing advice, treatment, therapies or instruction to any clients, even virtually (via online platforms such as zoom etc) then, you will still have the need to protect you and your business for breach of your professional duty. Legal defence and damage payouts can be costly. If your policies include insurance cover for loss, destruction and/or damage to physical assets that you own and/or are responsible for then, we consider that any suitable policy should remain in force. The likelihood of a fire, flood, theft/vandalism etc still remains. Consider insurance requirements under any contracts you may have entered into for the leasing of equipment and/or property – you may be contractually bound to continue with insurance cover.

Business Interruption

Business Interruption definitions and interpretation. Damage means physical loss, destruction or damage by any of the perils insured by the Business Contents section. Business Interruption cover is basic fire, flood and premises cover only – there are extra features but limited, please see policy wording however COVID-19 is not, and never was, covered by Business Interruption. Notifiable human infectious or contagious disease means those diseases notifiable under the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations, 1988, namely: Acute encephalitis, Acute poliomyelitis, Anthrax, Cholera, Diphtheria, Dysentery, Food poisoning, Leptospirosis, Malaria, Measles, Meningitis, Meningococcal septicaemia (without meningitis), Mumps, Ophthalmia neonatorum, paratyphoid fever, Plague, Rabies, Without these your policy may be invalid. You should already be including on your treatment record cards, aftercare advice you have provided, however we do understand that sometimes not all of this can be done after each client, the more detail that is kept the better

Relapsing fever, Rubella, Scarlet fever, Smallpox, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Typhoid fever, Typhus fever, Viral haemorrhagic fever, Viral hepatitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Whooping cough, Yellow fever. No other disease shall be added to the above list without the company’s written consent.

What cover applies to virus related claims?

The policy covers you against third party claims and allegations of negligently causing accidental bodily injury (which includes illness) in the course of your business. The onus will be on the claimant to prove you were negligent. Any claim will be individually judged by insurers and subject to the full policy terms and conditions.

Should I include details of a client’s health with regards to COVID-19 in Does my policy cover for any loss of income if I, or my clients, cancel appointments because of the Coronavirus?

No, there is no cover under the policy for loss of income or business expenses in this scenario.

What should I be including on my client record card?

You should already be keeping client record cards as part of your terms and conditions and the declaration questions agreed with ABT when taking out the policy. client’s name and contact details, this could include address, phone number and an email. Client record cards should also include the date, time and the treatment title that was had by your client. You could go into further details and note the products you used during the treatment or any comments mentioned by the client in reference to the treatment. If required it could be worth noting the date that you carried out your client’s last patch test so to keep in line with policy and manufacturing guidelines which could require you to patch test every 3 months. You could go into further details and note if any retail items were bought and

my Online Consultation?

it is to assist with a potential claim.

This would and should form part of the consultation process and if detailed, this would be submersible for a claim. It is less of a legal document issue, but more good practice and investing in the salon’s safety for staff and clients. Many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, or may not be showing any signs, so whilst it is great business practice it’s not exhaustive as all other safety measures apply.

Are there any treatments that I can’t perform due to COVID-19 restrictions?

At present the industry is awaiting a roadmap at Government level. Provided people are operating legally in line with Government and local authority guidelines, the policy will respond to allegations of negligence against the policyholder, in the same way as for alleged injuries arising from treatment.

This information is advisory only and has been produced to assist members, it’s by no means exhaustive nor a set of rules that must be followed. You do not need to adhere to all the points within to be insured, quite simply – provided you are operating legally in line with Government and local authority guidelines, the policy will respond to allegations of negligence against the policyholder. The information is based upon opinion, expertise and public knowledge as of 1.6.2020; it has not been issued by the Irish Government (www.gov.ie). Please check the government website for the latest updates and ensure that you are complying with government guidance. This information does not constitute legal requirement. ABT do not incur any liability for this information.

If you have a claim or become aware of an incident that could result in a claim, please contact ABT preferable by email on info@abtinsurance.ie so that we can make sufficient notes on your policy. You will then be directed to the Claims department at Balens Ltd on +44 (0) 1684 893 006. To ensure we maintain a high-quality service, we may monitor or record telephone calls. Balens will:

• Confirm whether the event is insured • If necessary, arrange for a loss adjuster to contact you • Give you advice on how your claim will be dealt with and any excess you may have to pay.

In most cases you will need to complete a claim form. If Balens cannot settle immediately, your claim will be under the personal control of a nominated claims handler who will manage the whole claim and will act as your point of contact. Balens will give you regular progress reports and settle your claim as fairly and promptly as possible. Do not admit liability, please refer to your policy document for full claims conditions. We have more information on our membership website www.irishbeauty.ie in regard to ‘What to do in the Event of a Complaint or Claim?’ http://www.irishbeauty.ie/dealing-therapy-insurance-claims.html

Should I allow clients to bring their children into the salon?

Only your client is to attend the appointment, even in their own home. From the point of view of insurance, only the client attending receiving the treatment is insured, i.e. children are not insured to be in the salon.

Provided people are operating legally in line with Government and local authority guidelines, the policy will respond to allegations of negligence against the policyholder, in the same way as for alleged injuries arising from treatment.

Can I carry out a Consultation virtually? What about patch tests ahead of treatments?

Online Consultations are fine. Patch tests should be posted out to the client, and the client would need to confirm in writing that they have done it and the therapist confirm there was no reaction during the consultation; a declaration from the client or similar is acceptable. Ideally, this conversion would take place via Skype, Zoom or similar so that the therapist can confirm with their own eyes there is not issue. ABT’s policy wording states: “The record should include evidence of patch testing where applicable.” Salons / mobile professionals should only perform treatments that they feel safe and qualified to perform. If there are reasons during a consultation that they feel the treatment should not go ahead, then they should not continue.

What do I do if someone makes an allegation or claim against me?

Report it immediately to us and follow the claims procedure. ABT and Balens will support you in the ‘normal way’ by getting all relevant information together for insurers. Do not admit liability and please refer to your policy document for full claims conditions.

Can ABT provide guidance on H & S considerations?

Many of you are asking, if the policy will contain any new conditions that you will need to observe for treating/instructing clients, ie using PPE etc. At this present moment in time, we are not thinking about amending the policy to include conditions about practice protocols. If this situation changes, we will notify you accordingly. Please continue to observe all other terms and condition of cover however, and also government guidelines as instructed on www.gov.ie The situation is an evolving one and as lockdown reduces and the “phased” return to work approach expands, we will be constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation and updating our members through our websites, social media and emails.

If a customer gets COVID-19 and blames the salon, will our insurance cover us?

Provided people are operating legally in line with Government and local authority guidelines, the policy will respond to allegations of negligence against the policyholder in the same way as for alleged injuries arising from a treatment.

his information is advisory only and has been produced to assist members, it’s by no means exhaustive nor a set of rules that must be followed. You do not need to adhere to all the points within to be insured, quite simply – provided you are operating legally in line with Government and local authority guidelines, the policy will respond to allegations of negligence against the policyholder. The information is based upon opinion, expertise and public knowledge as of 1.6.2020; it has not been issued by the Irish Government (www.gov.ie). Please check the government website for the latest updates and ensure that you are complying with government guidance. This information does not constitute legal requirement. ABT do not incur any liability for this information.

Government Information

Please check the government website for the latest updates and ensure that you are complying with government guidance. www.gov.ie

ABT Membership Updates

By checking with these websites regularly you will be kept informed with current situations and will be provided with useful articles which are updated daily on the beauty and hair industry.

ABT COVID-19

www.abtinsurance.ie/covid19.html

ABT E-Newsletters and Email Communications

Please make sure you have marked ABT emails as acceptable for your inbox to avoid missing important information about your policy, guidelines surrounding COVID-19 and updates regarding the industry.

Email addresses to look out for are

@abtinsurance.ie

@irishbeauty.ie Please note ABT will never send you an email asking for payment or card details, please take note that this could be a scam and we ask if you are unsure to please call the office on 1800 625 180 from a landline or +44 1789 773434 from a mobile.

Irish Beauty

For daily updates on education, product launches and guides to navigate through this time, as well as access to our bi-monthly membership magazine, Irish Beauty, available to read for free online.

www.irishbeauty.ie

Insurance Information

If you need further information on updates from ABT in regards to COVID-19, taking out or renewing insurance policies or policy documentation including terms and conditions, then please see the below resources.:

ABT Insurance - COVID-19 Update

www.abtinsurance.ie/covid19.html

ABT Insurance

www.abtinsurance.ie

ABT Social Media

Below are the links to our social media channels, we ask you to follow at least one of these channels so that we can keep all our members up to date with the latest industry news this includes providing key information regarding ABT.

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/irishbeauty/

Facebook :

www.facebook.com/irishbeautyshow/

Twitter:

twitter.com/irishbeautyshow/

Government Financial Support

Government has implemented a number of schemes for employees, self-employed and small businesses during COVID-19 restrictions.

For Small Businesses (all loans and grants are subject to eligibility)

Firstly, talk to your bank who may be able to offer payment holidays or emergency working capital facilities. Also get advice from your accountant or your Local Enterprise Office, and engage with Revenue for advice on tax payments and ‘Warehousing’ of deferred tax debts.

COVID-specific government-supported schemes available to small businesses include:

Credit Guarantee Scheme: The Credit Guarantee Scheme supports loans up to €1 million for periods of up to 7 years. Applications can be made to AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank. Information is available at www.dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/ COVID-19-supports/Credit-Guarantee-SchemeCOVID-19-FAQ.html COVID-19 Business Loans: Microenterprises can access COVID-19 Business Loans of up to €50,000 from Microfinance Ireland, with terms including six months’ interest free and repayment free moratorium, with the loan to then be repaid over the remaining 30 months of the 36-month loan period. Apply through your Local Enterprise Office or at www.microfinanceireland.ie.

COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme:

The COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme supports loans from €25,000 up to €1.5 million (first €500,000 unsecured) with a maximum interest rate of 4%. Information is available at www.sbci.gov.ie.

Future Growth Loan Scheme:

An additional €500 million in COVID-19 funding will be made available through the Future Growth Loan Scheme to provide longer-term loans to COVID-19 impacted businesses.

Sustaining Enterprise Fund:

The Sustaining Enterprise Fund is specifically aimed at firms operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors, with 10 or more employees, that are vulnerable but viable. Operated by Enterprise Ireland, the fund provides repayable advances of up to €800,000 as agreed with the EU under new State Aid rules. Information is available at www.globalambition.ie/supports/innovation-support/ sustaining-enterprise-fund

Sustaining Enterprise Fund for Small Enterprise:

As part of the Sustaining Enterprise Fund, the Sustaining Enterprise Fund for Small Enterprise provides a short term working capital injection of up to €50,000 to smaller companies to support business continuity. Information is available at www.enterpriseireland.com/en/funding-supports/Company/EsetablishSME-Funding/Sustaining-Enterprise-Fund-SmallEnterprise.html

Restart Grant:

The Restart Grant provides direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help with costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. Available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m employing up to 50 people which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% projected reduction in turnover to the end of June 2020, the grants are equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, or a minimum grant of €2,000, with a maximum grant of €10,000. Apply through local authorities.

Trading Online Voucher:

The Local Enterprise Office Trading Online Voucher is a government grant scheme to assist small businesses with up to 10 employees to trade online. Up to €2,500 is available along with training and advice. Information is available at www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-BusinessSupports/Trading-Online-Voucher-Scheme

COVID-19 Business Financial Planning Grant:

The COVID-19 Business Financial Planning Grant is worth up to €5,000, available to Enterprise Ireland clients, manufacturing or internationally traded services companies that employ 10 or more full time employees. It helps companies to develop a robust financial plan, including preparing documentation required to support applications to banks and financial providers. Information is available at www.globalambition.ie/ supports/innovation-support/covid-19-businessplanning-grant/

For individuals

If you are unable to work in your usual role due to COVID-19 restrictions, make sure you apply for the correct income support or wage subsidy payments:

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Regardless of whether you are employed or selfemployed, if you have lost your job or have been laid off temporarily because your place of work is closed due to COVID-19, you can apply for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. Information is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemicunemployment-payment

Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit

Regardless of whether you are employed or selfemployed, if you have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or are medically certified to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19, you can apply for Illness Benefit for COVID-19 absences which is higher than the standard rate. Information is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/ df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid19-absences

Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme

If you are self-employed and pay yourself as a PAYE worker through your payroll, you can apply for the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme from the Revenue Commissioners. This scheme is also available for employers who have lost at least 25% of their trade; you can claim 70% of your employees’ net wage back (up to a maximum of €410) through this scheme. Information is available at www.gov.ie/en/ service/578596-covid-19-wage-subsidy

Short Time Work Support

Those placed on a shorter working week temporarily, e.g. if your employer cuts your regular hours to enable the salon to operate social distancing, you can apply for Short Time Work Support in respect of your regular salary for the days that you are no longer working. Information is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/c20e1b-short-time-worksupport

Further Education & Guidance for reopening after COVID-19

Education

Dermalogica have developed a new online class to learn about Dermalogica’s 12 key principles for enhanced service safety as well as some best practices to implement in your business. After testing your knowledge and making a pledge to uphold these principles, you will earn your Dermalogica Clean Touch Certification and receive a detailed guide as reference. www.dermalogicalearning.com/gpess-login-select/ In addition, Dermalogica are publishing free ‘Back in Touch’ videos:

bit.ly/3eibkSS

BARBICIDE ®

Barbicide ® has developed a free certification course that covers infection control showing your clients that you are educated in delivering a safe space and service for them and your staff. barbicide.com/certification/

Posters & Signs for Your Premises

Not only to print off and use, but also useful to read and educate or certain protocols surrounding prevention and cleanliness:

World Health Organisation (WHO)

www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en/ www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novelcoronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

ABT & Irish Beauty Magazine

ABT and Irish Beauty will be providing generic signage that you can download for free and use from home, mobile or salon to tie in with salon branding. We understand that you might not want your beautifully created salon to look clinical so have different colourways of useful signs. www.irishbeauty.ie

Instant Print

Instant print is an online printing company that have created signage for our industry. Their templates may provide you with the signage you were looking for in your salon and beauty rooms. www.instantprint.co.uk/coronavirus-safety-signs/ beauty-gyms-and-leisure

Engage with clients and let them know you’re reopening

If you are looking at ways to re-engage with your clients and let them know that your salon or home and mobile services are reopening in line with government guidelines, it’s time to get them as excited as you are, so these industry specific resources could give you some helpful hints and tips to be ahead of the rest. Here are some resources that may be useful:

Facebook

Social media platform Facebook have put together a useful guide specifically for salons and spas reopening during COVID-19. Access it at: www.facebook.com/business/boost/resource/ salonandspa?lead_source=business-resource-hub

Organic Colour Systems

Hair experts Organic Colour Systems have put together social posts and captions that their customers can use on return to the salon. They hope that these will help their customers engage with their clients, and give them one less thing to do once they are back and busy, busy, busy! Access them at: www.organiccoloursystems.com/socialmedia-support/