Margaret River salon owner and stylist Ed Thomas says closing hair salons in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Responding to comments made by a fellow salon owner in the region this week, Mr Thomas said the virus had already decimated business within the industry and salon owners faced complicated decisions.
"Whether you agree or disagree with the government's decision to stay open, there are a lot of factors involved here," he told the Mail.
"The decision may be easy for some people, maybe if they are not the sole bread winner, their partner hasn't lost their job or if you work for yourself.
"But what happens when you have five staff working with you?"
Mr Thomas said he employed a number of staff on sponsored temporary visas, and closing the doors would mean leaving staff without an income, unable to return to their home countries.
"If I choose to close of my own free will I will be required to pay wages to employees until the government makes it a rule to.
"How as a business are you able to cover these costs when revenue over the month of March is down 50 per cent, and over the last week is down 75 per cent?
"So you think the answer is standing them down?
"What about when you stand them down they might lose their visa and/or because of the visa they are on, they might not get any government support?
"As of yet we don't know these answers, but how could I lay one of our excellent stylists off after we've sponsored them, when they can't go back to their home country, when they might have nothing for their family to live on?"
How could I lay one of our excellent stylists off after we've sponsored them, when they can't go back to their home country, when they might have nothing for their family to live on?
- Ed Thomas
"People will be homeless, starving and ultimately will lead to a lot more problems."
A lack of action and government backpedalling has led to many salons unsure of the best course of action, and Mr Thomas joked it could be down to politicians wanting to retain hair appointments for public appearances.
"If they close us now what will happen to all the temporary visa holders out there which make up a huge proportion of our industry?
"All the people in hospitality are in a similar situation now and don't know where to go."
Mr Thomas said while his Main Street salon remained open, with stringent steps taken to protect both clients and staff, he understood why others in the area had made the call to close.
"Some are closing because they have high risk partners, some are not taking on new clients.
"But everyone is in the same boat.
"People are cancelling in significant numbers. Ours is about 50 per cent cancellation rate everyday at the moment and that includes people that have booked maybe only a few days ago.
"But people are still coming in because we are actively playing by the rules and fighting the virus head on."
Stylists and staff wear masks and gloves at the salon, and sanitiser and wipes are used on surfaces with hospital grade disinfectant.
"We have an outside waiting area, people wait in their cars, we only have a maximum of two stylists in at a time, more often than not just one," Mr Thomas said.
"We don't service clients from outside the area and have asked clients we know have been to Perth to not book in for five days minimum after arriving back.
"We have longer working hours and work on a Sunday to accommodate as few people in the salon as possible at one time but allowing staff to earn in order to survive."
What we need now are clear rules and guidelines. Clarity of who will be getting what financial support, with easier access to that support.
- Ed Thomas
As he waits for clear instructions and support from the government, Mr Thomas said he was keen to see the community pull together to support local business and better understand why some people continued to work.
"What we need now are clear rules and guidelines. Clarity of who will be getting what financial support, with easier access to that support.
"We're not asking for massive hand outs because what's that going to achieve when we have to pay it back?
"We are asking for clarity so we can budget. Yes, our landlords maybe kind but many survive on that rent as their only income, and for us our rent is only a small proportion of the outgoings.
"It's not about making money, it's about surviving as a community. It's not about kicking people when they are down, its about coming together and doing our bit for the long run because we believe we will come out the other side.
"Who ever thought hairdressing would be classed as a dangerous job?
"When you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life. I love what I do. I love my industry. I love my clients. And I love my community.
"To me Margaret River is the best place on earth. Between the schools, community spirit, the beaches, beautiful landscape and any number of the wonderful other things the region has to offer. And I am willing to contribute.
"I love you Margaret River, I wouldn't be here without being sponsored myself once upon a time. Neither would a lot of you."
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
