Self-employed hairstylist who is not furlough-privileged is struggling to cope with financial responsibilities after Covid-19 crisis

By Marina Gaiti

A men’s hairdresser who is unable to financially support himself due to coronavirus is feeling anxious about the future, as are many other citizens due to the economic crisis in the UK.

• 

Manolo Borisov, 25, private men’s hair stylist and local resident, said: “I am very worried about my future, because no one knows when this whole thing will come to an end. It doesn’t rain money, unfortunately, so where and how will I get enough income to support myself?”

Borisov, who is originally from Bulgaria and was raised in Greece, is self-employed and cannot claim for the government’s furlough scheme, because he has not been in the country for long enough.

He completed his education in Greece back in August 2020 and decided to move to the UK last September aiming to follow his dream and build a better future for himself, but Covid-19 has put his plans on hold.

• 

• 

Borisov was working privately pre-lockdown, but is now unable to do so because of the government’s restrictions and the lockdown ruled by Boris Johnson.

“I left my family and friends behind and gave up my job in Greece for a better future in the UK. Yes, I knew things were going to be tough with this whole pandemic going on, but I didn’t expect it to be that bad. I am currently surviving only through my savings, but they won’t last forever,” he said.

Other young people have also had their futures affected by Covid. Michael James, 24, Information and Creative Technology graduate at Middlesex University, said: “Just when I graduated and was ready to spread my wings, reality hit me. I have been on search for a job for the past six months.”

According to BBC figures, unemployment has increased by 4.8 per cent since September 2020, while the number of people out of work has reached 243,000.

Many local residents and British citizens are experiencing the same problem with no way out. 

Borisov, who has already tested positive for coronavirus last Christmas and had to self-isolate during the festive season, said: “I have been looking for another job, but now all work positions are highly competitive. It is very difficult to change my career now that many companies are not recruiting at the moment and many more are shutting down.”

His family has been separated and spread across Bulgaria, Greece and Germany. He said that at times he feels down and has no one to talk to since he is here by himself and cannot see any friends or family members.

The mental health crisis has increased dramatically in the UK since the outbreak of coronavirus. In 2020, 15,541 calls were made to London Ambulance Service relating to suicide and attempted suicide during lockdown, according to ITV figures.

“I have reached the point where I skip meals daily just to make sure that I can pay my monthly bills. I cook less proportions than I normally do and I divide my food throughout the day just so I am not that hungry. I also go to different supermarkets to get the best deals in order to save money. 

“This is very emotionally draining. I feel lonely and no one can help me out. I cannot go back to my family because they are in a difficult financial position themselves. I do not want to depend on them,” said Borisov.

Coronavirus cases and death rates continue to increase in the UK, even though the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination has started since December 2020. 

Boris Johnson has announced that he will make a public conference and talk through the lockdown exit plan next Monday.

This lockdown could come to an end but there are no promises for hairdressing and beauty professionals.

• 

Borisov claimed: “Even if we do get out of this lockdown madness, I am worried that my customers will be too afraid to come in contact with others, which will result in less customer demand and therefore less income to none at all, just like now.”

If you are feeling worried about your financial situation visit www.gov.uk, where you can find support about Coronavirus-related financial support.

For mental health advice visit www.nhs.uk and browse mental health charity helplines that best apply to your situation.

For more information about what you can and cannot do during lockdown, or restrictions that apply to your area visit www.gov.uk.