SIX more workers are losing their jobs in the Borders due to coronavirus.

The owners of LifeHeal, which sells body and mind treatments, have announced they are closing their clinics in Peebles and Linlithgow.

Business partners Sam Hastings and Erica Douglas say the mounting pressure of government regulations and costs of personal protective equipment (PPE) make it impossible to continue.

They estimate that the required protective equipment would cost a four-figure sum each month.

In an announcement on the company's Facebook page, Ms Hastings said: “The challenges for small business owners [are] truly frightening, and as we [sat] down to try and find a way through, we ourselves were shocked and disappointed to discover there is simply no way [forward].

“A combination of protection and PPE requirements, accumulated rent and bills, and a 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.”

Following a successful five years running their Peebles High Street branch, the business partners invested in new frontage and a micro café.

The company says it will offer departing staff the chance to take kit and equipment should they wish to continue offering their services.

Ms Hastings said: “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.”

With LifeHeal closing with immediate effect, another difficulty the business faces is honouring purchased vouchers.

“To date we have lost a vast sum in revenue and much of our discussion has been centred around how we will honour these vouchers,” said Ms Hastings.

“Unfortunately we will be unable to offer refunds, but we will be drawing up a menu of options in the hope that we can make the best of a bad situation.”

These options include workshops – online and in-person – and a range of treatments.  Ms Hastings added: “We will do our very best, but we ask for your patience and understanding as we try and work through this.”

Speaking to the Peeblesshire News this week, Ms Douglas said the decision to close was heartbreaking and many tears have been shed.

“We would like to thank all our clients and the community as a whole," she said.

"We hope that others in less hands-on industries can weather the storm.”