In response to the devastating scenes of violence over the past week, Convenience Store has gathered a list of support and resources available for retailers and those in the grocery industry affected by these shocking events.
GroceryAid
If your store has been affected by the recent riots across the UK, GroceryAid’s Workplace Critical Incident support can help. Colleagues in need of emotional support during this difficult time can call the charity’s FREE and confidential Helpline, where you can speak to a trained counsellor, anytime on 08088 021 122.
GroceryAid can also arrange for on-site Trauma Counsellors to visit your site and provide support to you and your team. For more information, visit: https://www.groceryaid.org.uk/help/workplace-critical-incident/
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS)
The ACS is working to provide help and guidance to retailers and colleagues during this time. It is in discussion with the Home Office about the way the Riot Compensation Act’s provisions can be applied in these incidents. This would allow retailers to claim compensation if they have been impacted by a riot.
In addition, the ACS will be feeding in its members’ experiences through the Home Office and other departments so they can be fed into COBRA and other government briefings in the ongoing response. If you have been directly impacted by the riots, please get in contact with willem.vandeven@acs.org.uk so the information can be collated and relayed to the government.
The Retail Trust
The Retail Trust has encouraged any retail workers with worries and concerns to call the charity’s 24-hour helpline on 0808 801 0808 if they need in-the-moment wellbeing support or specialist help from its counselling team following incidents of in-store violence, criminal damage or theft.
Chris Brook-Carter chief executive of retail industry charity the Retail Trust said: “The Retail Trust is seeing a rise in calls from retail staff fearing for their safety following looting and vandalism in shops across the country and we are working closely with affected retailers to ensure their colleagues are getting the support they need to deal with any difficult experiences.
Nisa
Nisa has taken a strong stand against racism and violence. Nisa retail and sales director, Katie Secretan said: “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.”
Nisa retailers can email makingadifference@nisaretail.com to request the use of their MADL funds to support community responses in areas affected by the rioting.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
The FSB has encouraged retailers to take reasonable steps to limit damage, such as boarding doors and windows.
“These riots are a complete blight on the economy, and the damage inflicted by these yobs threatens the very livelihood of hardworking entrepreneurs,” National Chair of FSB Martin McTague told Convenience Store.
McTague explained that some of FSB’s members in planned riot areas have chosen to keep their premises closed for the day and that “they shouldn’t have to do this, but they feel it’s the only way to guarantee safety”.
FSB’s research found that 58% of small firms have contents insurance, and 48% have building insurance. The trade body encouraged retailers to speak to their insurance providers if faced with riot damage.
“It is also important to follow new advice from local authorities,” McTague added.
Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed)
The Fed is working to help affected members. For now, if your shop or business was impacted, members can call the Fed (0207 017 8880 or email contactus@nfrn.org,uk). Or members can also send Mo Razzaq National President of the Fed a DM on X, @TheFedNP.
The trade body is collating member experiences to raise awareness of issues faced by independent retailers and make requests to the government.
It is also offering practical recommendations on what to do next with regards to making an insurance claim, legal advice and seeking support from the NFRN Charitable Funds.
If your shop has suffered any 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, advises:
- 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
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