Irish Spa Association seeks further financial support

Having recently met with Minister for Business Damien English, the Irish Spa Association (ISA) is calling for commercial rent support to prevent thousands of spa, salon and beauty businesses from closing their doors permanently due to Level 5 COVID-19 trading restrictions. 

The ISA states the industry is at a “critical stage” with some businesses currently deferring rent payments upwards of €10,000 per month with staff on PUP or wage subsidy payments. 

Anita Murray of The Irish Spa Association says:

“It is with great urgency now that if businesses are being asked to remain shuttered past March that the government steps up to the mark and addresses the inadequate supports in place. The prospect of extending the closures means debts will continue to climb and the all-important summer trading period will be eroded.

“Additional supports are urgently required if businesses are to survive and the sector can reopen and restore the jobs and livelihoods of over 25,000 currently laid off.”

The ISA is also concerned about the prevalence of black market therapies, with therapists contravening COVID-19 restrictions and performing treatments on their clients.

Peigin Crowley of The Irish Spa Association explains:

“Black market treatments are a serious concern to us for three reasons, they can be dangerous, they could potentially spread COVID-19 and operators trade without insurance. As the summer comes in so will the demand for black market treatments. These beauty professionals are desperate to maintain their income and I can understand at times that they feel they have no other choice.”