I had to cut my fringe live on ITV this week – let’s face it, hairdressers should be considered key workers too

The government has extended the list of “key” workers who can register for free testing to include supermarket workers and lorry drivers transporting food. But the list doesn’t include suppliers to the construction industry (electrical, plumbing, timber and materials) – even though the prime minister said it was essential for our economy that building work continued throughout lockdown.

Major companies like Persimmon have just announced they are planning to resume operations, but will they request free testing for their employees?

This inconsistency about who is an “essential” worker also applies to hairdressers – 41,000 are at risk of going bust, according to industry insiders who say that experts “can’t find” a way for their services to carry on and maintain social distancing.

Many hairdressers are freelancers, not eligible for furlough schemes, and the government’s help for the self-employed doesn’t start until June.

Until then, many hairdressers will have to try and claim universal credit. Hairdressers are special – they cheer us up, provide unpaid counselling and perform a vital social function.

Please can Matt Hancock and his secret team of Sage members relent and let hairdressers wear masks and resume work?! I was reduced to cutting my own fringe live on ITV this week – the resulting mess needs an expert intervention asap if I am ever to return to public life.