Retailers and suppliers are taking precautions to protect their stores and staff, in response to online rumours that more far-right protests are to take place in various areas in the UK.

The rumours remain unconfirmed, but have resulted in responses from several councils.

The national unrest stems from far-right groups calling for protests over the killings of three children on 29 July in Southport, near Liverpool. A spread of right-wing protests across the country in the past six days has seen multiple retailers’ stores looted, attacked and threatened.

Areas supposedly at risk, according to online posts, include, but are not limited to, Brentford, Hastings, Hull, Birmingham, North Finchley and Bedford.

The London Borough of Harrow and Waltham Forest Council have said they are working with the police to verify whether a protest is taking place, while Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman has released a statement urging residents to remain calm as she works with the police on its plan if a protest does take place.

Meanwhile, groups including the ACS, NewstrAid, GroceryAid, the Fed, and wholesalers Nisa and Parfetts have all released statements of support for retailers.

What to do if there’s a riot planned near your shop

Ali Awan, a Fed member and shop owner in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, said it is important to communicate with other retailers to keep each other safe.

“We are hopeful it won’t happen here, but you can share information through WhatsApp, which is such an important tool, to warn each other of what’s happening and generally keep each other safe.

“No matter how long you’ve been in the community, at the first sign of trouble be sure to get the shutters down, call the police and get somewhere safe.”

He continued: “We’ve had so much support from customers. One shop has had 10-15 customers forming a picket around their shop, protecting it in the day and evenings.”

Bhavna Patel, of Hillview News in Cheadle, Staffordshire, said retailers should be prepared to “pull down shutters at a moment’s notice”, ring the alarms and keep an eye on WhatsApp groups.  

“We’re all a bit anxious about tomorrow. Never in a million years did I think this would happen on our doorstep – we’ve been here for 40 years. You also don’t know how true it is that riots will take place, but we’re getting so many messages. We’ll be ready to put the shutters down or press the alarm if we need to – there’s not much else we can do.

“It’s a worry for shopkeepers, of course – but it’s also a worry for everybody. I don’t think either side even knows why they’re fighting anymore. It helps to have our postcode Whatsapp group, because we can be warned of any news.”

Jordan, a store assistant at Premier Smileys One Stop Shop in Blackpool, said: “We’re not preparing, because it’s taking place about two miles down the road – but we are avoiding delivering around there.

“We’re on the same road, so we have made staff aware. Police have gone round a couple of stores and given them a heads up. As a management team, we’ve decided to keep a set of keys on us, lock up and put the shutters down if we need to.”

Peter Wagg, chair of insurer Retail Mutual, said that there had been no reported claims registered related to the recent disturbance so far, but urged all stores to take immediate action to ensure they have full insurance.

For those affected by the rioting, he said: “What we learned from the 2011 riots is that if your store is damaged, your action must be to call your insurance company even before tidying up. When there are widespread incidents, there will be queues for glazers, shopfitters and other services needed to get you back on your feet. By getting your claim processed ahead of everyone else, you can ensure you’re first in line with these services. The Retail Mutual achieved good coverage because while others waited weeks, the three stores with us were paid out in three days and up and trading within a week.”

Far-right thugs loot independent convenience store during Southport riot

How to support staff

Patel advised to keep staff with you at all times to show support.

She said: “If the staff want to take the risk and come in, we won’t be leaving them alone. If we go upstairs, they can come upstairs with us. Luckily, there’s a police station very near by, but we will be on heightened alert.

Nishi Patel, of Londis Bexley Park, Kent, said: “I’ve told my staff to take public transport home, or even take a taxi if they’re scared and I’ll fund it. I’ve also reassured them that we will shut up shop if we have to.”

What to do if your store has suffered from damage

Retail Mutual advises contacting your insurance provider as soon as possible so that you can reinstate your damaged shop and continue trading quickly.

Stephensons Solicitors LLP, the Fed’s legal helpline provider, advised:

• Check your insurance policies to see whether they have cover in place to cover damage for any loss
• In the event of a shop closure, check if your insurance covers loss of salaries/loss of trade
• Carry out appropriate risk assessments for staff to ensure as much as possible their health and safety is prioritised
• Check any lease of premises and see who is responsible for damage in these scenarios i.e. landlord/tenant

NewstrAid has announced that while it cannot help with costs related to shop damage caused by the riots, it can potentially offer financial support to those that have seen property damage if they live above the shop.

GroceryAid has is offering emotional support through its free and confidential helpline: 08088 021 122.

The ACS has said it is figuring out how the Riot Compensation Act’s provisions can be applied in these incidents, and where retailers will be able to claim compensation if they have been impacted by a riot.

In communication sent out to Nisa retailers, the symbol group’s retail and sales director, Katie Secretan added: “We stand clear and strong together, we do not tolerate any levels of racism within our business or our communities, and we remain committed in our support to you against any levels of violence you may encounter directly in your retail stores or within your communities.  

“Should you have been affected by any of the disgraceful acts we have seen across the country, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to your RDM / account manager so that we can support you in these difficult times.”

Secretan added Nisa retailers can also contact Nisa’s Making A Difference Locally (MADL) charity if they would like to use their MADL funds to support areas affected by the rioting.

More to follow