Do i need a licence to practice massage?

[Maurquise Burks]

I nealy finished my training as a massage therapist. I live in London. Have not decided where i am going to practice from. Mobile, from home, rent a room - are my options.Do i need a licence in any of these cases? If i do need one, what will it cost me to get it?

Thank you

 

[ladybug]

Hi Gornostay

I, too, live in London and most London boroughs (in my experience) require you to hold Special Treatment Licences.

If you are working as a mobile therapist then you usually do not need to have a Special Treatment Licence, just relevant insurance.

Working from home: you'll need a Special Treatment Licence but things can get a little tricky insurance-wise if you have a mortgage or have a landlord.

Renting a room: again, I've found that you have to make your enquiries in the London borough in which your treatment room is located and cover your own back!

So when I was setting up I contacted the relevant London authorities I was interested in working in to check what stipulations they had. Most London boroughs are pretty good ... if you belong to a professional body on their list (which varies from borough to borough) and have relevant certificates and insurance, they will issue you a Special Treatment Licence without you paying whatever sum they charge per annum. My local borough's Licence if £250 per year but as I'm a member of the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists) my annual fee was waived after sighting of my certificates and insurance documents.

I cannot stress enough that this is purely my own personal experience ... unfortunately there are no shortcuts so do take time to research this properly to make sure your own needs and circumstances are fully covered.

Good luck with your new enterprise!!

With bright blessings
Moonpoppy x
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[hiymuclt]

Do remember though it is different for every therapy and you must declare each one you do.

Lesley

 

[Eric_Lindros2003]

Of course Aromababe ... thank you for clarifying that point

With bright blessings
Moonpoppy x
[sm=sandrine.gif]

 

[ChristianR]

when I questioned this with my insurer they told me you have to have a licence for massage if you live in either London or Birmingham and want to work from home
thankfully it doesn't apply to me

 

[Robert W]

Thank you all