Locks changed at unit earmarked for Darlington salon amid tribunal controversy
Locks have been changed at a unit earmarked for a Darlington hair salon brand.
Last month, Halo Hair Darlington temporarily closed its West Park salon as bosses said they did not want to launch something that "doesn't feel right'.
The business, which opened as Halo Hair in early October after acquiring long-standing hairdressing firm Hobson and Holmes, was also planning to open another site near Ingleby Barwick, at Teesside Industrial Estate.
The Echo understood that Halo Hair was due to move into the unit formerly occupied by NRG Cycles, on the shopping parade opposite Anson Farm.
The former NRG Cycles store at Teesside Industrial Estate (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
And pictures taken last week revealed that the unit was completely empty, and had two signs on the door stating the locks had been changed.
The news comes amid controversy for Halo Hair Darlington, which was forced to pay a staff member £2,000 after deducting her pay at an employment tribunal last month.
A spokesperson for Halo Hair Darlington told The Northern Echo that it did not agree with the outcome.
They said: 'Halo Hair is a pioneering new salon venture committed to raising standards in the UK hair sector.
The unit is located on a small shopping parade (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
'We have been and continue to be fortunate enough to work with some truly outstanding stylists in the area.
'The employment tribunal decision regarding [the former staff member] was reached without a hearing and Halo Hair does not agree with the outcome.
'Like all new ventures, Halo Hair has faced challenges, which we are working hard to overcome to become a trusted business within the community.
'We remain committed to treating all team members fairly and with respect, and we continue to work hard to build a business based on transparency, professionalism, and high standards for both clients and staff.'
The poster stating the locks have been changed (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
As previously reported, Halo Hair posted a lengthy statement on Instagram confirming the closure in Darlington, and addressed a 'storm in a teacup' on social media.
The post said: 'We've hit pause in Darlington and haven't yet opened in Ingleby Barwick. Why?
'Because we're not going to launch something that doesn't feel right. And when you've invested more than £600,000 trying to build the best salon experience in the UK - best people, best training, best spaces - you don't settle for second best.
'Yes, we've made mistakes (we're only human). We've met some amazing people who just weren't the right fit.
'And, frankly, we've had to deal with a few who brought the wrong energy altogether - and that won't fly at Halo.
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'There's also been a little storm in a teacup on social media.
'Financially and reputationally, this journey's cost us more than we'd ever imagined.
'But we're still here, Still standing, Still 100% committed to building the salon of the future - even if it kills us.'
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