COVID FAQs for Hair and Beauty salons in Victoria

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Posted October 18, 2021

What are the major developments coming up with respect to COVID 19?

The Victorian Government has announced a Roadmap out of COVID restrictions.

From 22 October 2021 (when Victoria’s rate of double vaccination reaches 70%) , hair and beauty salons will be able to open again with certain rules in place

When Victoria’s rate of vaccination reaches 80% double vaccination, fewer rules will apply.

 

Is it compulsory for my staff and clients to be vaccinated?

The latest advice is that all staff and clients in metropolitan Melbourne must be vaccinated when the sector reopens. In regional Victoria, clients do not currently need to be vaccinated. The roadmap indicates that, from 22 October, if a regional salon exceeds the cap of 10 clients at a time, then all clients would need to be vaccinated. In relation to staff in regional Victoria, there is uncertainty about the vaccination requirements and we are currently seeking further clarity from government. An update will be provided when we receive further information.

 

If I’m in Victoria and a staff member refuses to get vaccinated, do I have to pay them when they can’t come to work?

No. If an employee is required by a public health direction to be vaccinated in order to work and they refuse, then the employee is “not ready, willing and able to work” and is not entitled to be paid unless the employee takes paid annual leave.

 

Are there limits to how many people can be in my premises at any one time? What do I do if I can’t bring all my staff back?

From 22 October, the hair and beauty industry in Melbourne can open to vaccinated people following the 1 person per 4 square metres rule, up to a maximum of 5 clients.

In regional Victoria, there is currently a cap of 10 clients. From 22 October, the cap of 10 clients continues if any clients are unvaccinated. If all clients are fully vaccinated, the cap can increase to 30 clients from 22 October.

Once Victoria’s population reaches the 80% fully vaccinated target, the hair and beauty industry can open with no limits to fully vaccinated people.

The employer will need to make a decision based on the specific requirements of the business. If the business employs casual staff, consider whether they will be required to attend work.

Other options include, but should not be limited to:

• Reaching agreement with staff to take paid or unpaid leave
• Reaching agreement with part-time employees to change rostering arrangements

 

Employers that are considering dismissing staff because they are not required should seek advice from the HABA Advice Line.

  

Do we all have to wear masks?

Face masks provide an extra layer of protection and are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, particularly when physical distancing can’t be applied.

Masks must be worn at all times indoors, but the mask can be removed if it’s necessary for the provision of the service.

 

Do we have to keep records of our employees’ vaccination status?

We expect the government to issue a public health direction requiring hair and beauty staff to be vaccinated. These directions usually require an employer to ask for evidence of vaccination and to keep a record of the employee’s vaccination information. We will provide an update when these directions are released.

 

Where can I find more information?

Go to https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorias-roadmap

Note: The COVID-19 situation continues to change across Australia. Governments often change public health orders and accordingly our advice is also subject to change.

 

Do you require further advice?

For information or assistance, please contact the Hair and Beauty Australia Workplace Advice Line on (02) 9221 9911, which is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm AEST or email on info@askhaba.com.au.