Trading standards receive 500 reports since lockdown began in Sunderland - with 61 reports of undercover hairdressing

Sunderland City Council has received 500 reports since lockdown began in March.
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Figures from Sunderland City Council show that officials have received 67 reports relating to the beauty industry including allegations that some barbers and hairdressers have been trading illegally.

Of those 67 reports, the Council’s Trading Standards team have taken enforcement action against two businesses.

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It comes as the team have received over 500 reports during the lockdown period relating to the rules surrounding the opening of businesses.

Sunderland City Centre during the coronavirus lockdown.Sunderland City Centre during the coronavirus lockdown.
Sunderland City Centre during the coronavirus lockdown.
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Deputy Council Leader Councillor Michael Mordey said: ”We’ve had more than 500 reports to our Trading Standards team so far.

“These include allegations about businesses continuing to open when they shouldn’t, social distancing concerns and enquiries from businesses about how the law applies.

“Of the reports made, 61 relate to barbers and hairdressing, plus six to beauty salons.

Vikki Smith, owner of SB Barbering Academy has said that it is "ethically wrong and selfish” to be trading at this time.Vikki Smith, owner of SB Barbering Academy has said that it is "ethically wrong and selfish” to be trading at this time.
Vikki Smith, owner of SB Barbering Academy has said that it is "ethically wrong and selfish” to be trading at this time.
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“In each case we have taken appropriate action, whether that’s providing advice in response to their enquiries, visiting them if there are concerns that they are open when they shouldn't be, or in the case of two businesses, taking enforcement action.”

A group of North East barbers have united to call for those in the industry who are still working to stop.

SB Barbering Academy owner, Vikki Smith has highlighted the risk to public.

She said: “We must stand together to educate the public not to use barbers, hairdressers and beauty therapists who are going against government guidelines.

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“The risk to the public is too great and professionals should know better than trading undercover, it’s ethically wrong and selfish.”

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