The Retail Trust has seen a spike in calls from retail staff “fearing for their safety following looting and vandalism in shops across the country”, according to the charity’s chief executive Chris Brook-Carter.
Brook-Carter said the trust has seen a surge in calls to its 24-hour helpline for retail staff in the wake of a week’s worth of far-right riots and violence that have spread across England and Northern Ireland, in the wake of the murder of three girls in Southport on July 29.
Since then, several high street retail stores have been targeted in the violence including a Shoe Zone, Greggs, Lush and Specsavers in Hull, and a Sainsbury’s Local store in Manchester over the weekend.
“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,” Brook-Carter told Retail Week.
“We know there will be many more retail workers out there with worries and concerns so we’d encourage anyone to call the Retail Trust’s 24-hour helpline on 0808 801 0808 if they need in-the-moment wellbeing support or specialist help from our counselling team following incidents of in-store violence, criminal damage or theft.”
Lush said on Tuesday that its staff were “devasted” after the retailer’s store in Hull was attacked by looters.
“We are devastated at what has happened to our beautiful shop in Hull and how our fellow retailers have also been treated,” a spokesman said.
“We are proud to be part of a multiracial Britain and to be part of the wonderful, vibrant and diverse community of Hull.
“Our wonderful shop manager and team have worked tirelessly to get the shop ready to start trading again.
“I want to thank those who came to help with the clean up, from contractors repairing our windows and doors, the cleaning team that worked through the night, to the community of Hull who have shared their well-wishes with our team.
“As soon as we’re ready, we’re looking forward to opening our doors so that we can once again be a welcoming and safe space for everyone.”
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