Coronavirus in Scotland - FM reacts to UK economy shrinking - BBC News
Nicola Sturgeon warns that figures next week are likely to show big increase in Scottish unemployment.
Hair salons in Ireland may be allowed to reopen earlier than previously planned Image caption: Hair salons in Ireland may be allowed to reopen earlier than previously planned

Hairdressers say they are having to employ "complete guesswork" as they try to work out when they might be able to open again.

"The most important thing for us would be for clients to return to the salon," says Mark McCune of the National Hair & Beauty Federation. "We don't really have a business without them."

The industry contributes £600m annually to Scotland's economy and is desperate for guidance from the government so they can prepare properly.

Riccardo Corvi, a director of one of Rainbow Room's 20 salons in Scotland, says the company has protective equipment and screens in place and are "good to go".

What they need most, he says, is a definite date to work towards - the industry is part of phase three of lockdown easing, so anticipates a possible return in mid-July - and guidance on the square footage per client required.

He says with clients needing to be spaced out, salons will need to extend opening hours.

Quote Message: I do realise the difficulties faced by industries like hairdressing with social distancing and it will probably be beyond phase four in terms of being able to reopen. We do publish detailed guidance before asking any sector to reopen." from Kate Forbes Finance Secretary I do realise the difficulties faced by industries like hairdressing with social distancing and it will probably be beyond phase four in terms of being able to reopen. We do publish detailed guidance before asking any sector to reopen."