CNHC update: Latest government announcements on returning to work

Dear Registrant

We are writing to update you on the latest news on returning to work.

England
From 4 July 2020 the following restrictions have been eased:

• The 2 metre social distancing rule has been relaxed to "1 metre plus" where 2 metres is not possible - but people will be encouraged to have mitigation in place to reduce risk of virus transmission.
• Hair salons and barbers can reopen, but visors must be worn.

What does this announcement mean for CNHC Registrants practising in England?
Registrants who can maintain social distancing of 2 metres, and who have full infection control measures in place, may return to work on 4 July if that would be covered by their Professional Indemnity Insurance. CNHC guidance on preparing to return to work can be found here.

Clarification is required from government before ‘hands-on’ practitioners can return to work. We will be closely monitoring all the detailed government guidance.

Northern Ireland
In our previous email we informed you of the Northern Ireland Executive’s announcement that ‘contact’ retail businesses, such as those offering hairdressing and beauty treatments, can reopen on 6 July. 

We have now received more clarity from government in Northern Ireland and their announcement currently excludes hands-on therapies. No provisional date has been announced for the resumption of those services.

Registrants who can maintain social distancing of 2 metres, and who have full infection control measures in place, may return to work on 6 July if that would be covered by their Professional Indemnity Insurance. CNHC  guidance on preparing to return to work can be found here.

Wales
A possible date of reopening for non-contact therapies is 13 July. This date has yet to be confirmed. Again, more clarity is needed on the status of ‘hands-on’ therapies.

Scotland
Self-employed Registrants in Scotland cannot return to practising face to face or ‘hands-on’. You should continue to work remotely if you are able to do so.

Next steps
We are seeking more clarity on the relaxation of measures in England and will be in touch by email with our updated guidance for ‘hand-on’ therapies.

We appreciate how extremely frustrating the lack of certainty from government is for Registrants practising ‘hands-on’ and we will be contact you again as soon as possible.

Contact us
If you have any questions or queries, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@cnhc.org.uk