Image: UKSA Chairman, Adam Chatterley and General Manager, Helena Grzesk
The UK Spa Association has today launched a survey to gather insight from the industry in order to lobby the government for clearer guidance on re-opening post COVID-19.
The survey, which is open to anyone working in the spa sector regardless of whether they are a current UKSA member or not, aims to track the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. The UKSA will use the data gathered to call for law-based clarity on how spas can safely re-open post the lockdown, including clear parameters around PPE best practice and guidance on further long-term social distancing measures.
Adam Chatterley, chairman of the UKSA spoke exclusively to Spa Life about the survey: “We are seeing lots of support groups, webinars and live Q&A sessions pop up across the industry in response to COVID-19. While this is fantastic to keep us all connected and spark ideas, the truth is, despite everyone’s opinions and thoughts, we are all still guessing at what the post lockdown future holds.”
“Much of what is being summarised and reported out of these sessions are things that senior spa and wellness professionals already know. They are already in their roles because of their experience and passion for what they do. Planning is essential but guessing about what's going to happen next just isn't helping.”
“As the UK’s official trade body for the Spa and Wellness sector, we are keen to get everyone in the industry the answers they need. We all need clear direction on operational safety procedures post Covid-19. To ensure we get this, we have opened a dialogue with the Health Minister.”
“The industry also needs answers to financial assistance questions, and early guidance on where our sector sits in terms of governmental priorities post Covid-19. To facilitate this, we have also opened a dialogue with the Chancellor. We are also part of the Beauty Industry Group and are collaborating with the Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing APPG to further amplify our voice.”
“To be taken seriously however, we need to present real facts and statistics to show the impact that Covid-19 has had on our industry, to put forward a convincing argument as to why, now more than ever, spas are an essential resource in preventative health care that can support frontline NHS services, and why law-based safe practice guidance is so important for a viable future.”
“Please help us put forward our case by completing this survey. The government will sit up and take notice if we can deliver real evidence, not just opinions and theories.”
The results of the survey will be published and presented to the government in early May alongside continued pressure from a joint wellness industry lobbying group.
The survey will be open from Friday 1st to Friday 8th May. Current UKSA members will already have received an email asking them to take part. Anyone else interested in taking part can visit https://spa-uk.org/covid-10/co to register.
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