Jobs lost as wellness business closes Borders shop and clinic

LifeHeal, which offered body and beauty treatments as well as therapies like reiki and reflexology, from its clinic and shop at 37 High Street, has paid off six staff.

Owners Sam Hastings and Erica Douglas are blaming the government imposed post-lockdown regulations and the cost of equipping staff with protective equipment for the decision.

Writing to customers on the firm’s Facebook page this week Sam said: “It’s with great sadness that we must make the announcement that we will be closing the doors of both clinics with immediate effect.

“We have enjoyed 15 fabulous years, and if I’m honest, I never thought I’d be having to do this. Over the years we have faced many challenges, but nothing like this.

“The mounting challenges for small business owners is truly frightening, and as we all sit down to try and find a way through, we ourselves were shocked and disappointed to discover there is simply no way.”

They estimate that it will cost thousands to keep staff kitted out with personal protective equipment (PPE).

“A combination of protection and PPE requirements, which we estimate costing a four figure sum per month, accumulated rent and bills, and forecasted reduction in demand means that financially the mountain to overcome is just too steep,” she added.

“From an aesthetic point of view, it’s difficult for us to imagine being able to deliver our usual service and benefits with all the distancing and protection policies.

The pair, business partners of 15 years, opened the Peebles shop five years ago. Their other branch in Linlithgow is also closing.

Departing staff are being given the chance to take home equipment and kit from the shop should they wish to practice individually going forward.

Sam added; “One of the hardest parts of this is having to let our staff down, but we will endeavour to help them practically and emotionally as we all take this journey together.”

Customers with outstanding vouchers will not be able to redeem them at the clinic, but can instead spend them online or in person at a later date.

“To date we have lost a vast sum in revenue and much of our discussion has been centred around how we honour vouchers,” Sam added. “Unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds, but we will be drawing up a menu of options in the hopes that we can make the best of a bad situation.

“These options will include workshops, online and off, and treatments. We will do our very best, but we ask for your patience and understanding as we try and work through this.”

Jobs have also been lost this week at Teviot Smokery following its decision to close for good next month.