The beauty industry contributes nearly £30 billion to our economy, so it is understandable that many in the industry here in St Helens borough are angered by the disparaging comments made by the Prime Minister this week.

Whilst hairdressers and barbers are set to open from tomorrow, beauty salons, spas and other wellness facilities are left in the dark, unable to open with no certainty or clarity as to when they can re-open their doors to their communities.

We know coronavirus increases inequalities for women and that the current public health emergency will likely have a disproportionate economic impact for women, who often work in service industries hit hard by Covid-19, including the beauty industry.

It therefore adds insult to injury that the Prime Minister appears to be mocking one of the industries that is dominated by women. The Government must take the concerns of this industry seriously and get a plan to re-open these important businesses.