21 July 2020
Harriett Baldwin praises efforts of Malvern Spa to reopen

Harriett Baldwin welcomes the reopening of the beauty sector, but urges the Government to review the square footage rules which are severely limiting capacity.

Harriett Baldwin MP speaking in the House of Commons

Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)

What steps he is taking to help all businesses reopen in a covid-secure way. (905069)

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Alok Sharma)

In consultation with businesses, business representative groups, trade unions, Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive, my Department has published comprehensive workplace guidance to ensure businesses can operate in a covid-secure manner, keeping both their workers and customers as safe as possible.

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Harriett Baldwin 

I thank the Secretary of State for finding a way to reopen the beauty sector, which employs so many women across the country. When I paid a visit to the Malvern Spa to celebrate its reopening last weekend, I was told that it has capacity now for only 15 spa days, rather than 40, because of the square footage rules that his Department has set out. Will he look urgently at reviewing those, because it is a very spacious premises?

Alok Sharma 

I thank my hon. Friend for her acknowledgement of the work we have been doing. The key has been to open businesses safely and securely in a cautious and phased manner, and we will continue to do that.

Hansard

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