Fed issues letter of support for retailers affected in weekend riots
Following days of violent attacks and wanton destruction, the Fed has issued a letter of support to its members, advising them how to seek help if needed.
The scenes of violence and disorder broke out in Belfast on Saturday 3rd August, after an anti-immigrant demonstration started at Belfast City Hall and moved to surrounding streets in the city.
The disorder and distressing scenes continued throughout the evening, with business premises and shops attacked and set on fire. A second night of violent scenes occurred on Monday 5th August, with police attacked and further attempted attacks on Belfast businesses.
In the wake of the incidents, business owners spoke of their fears, with one revealing they would not reopen their business.
In a joint statement, the First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said they had spoken to the Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.
“While people are entitled to take part in peaceful protest there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets,” read the statement.
‘ZERO TOLERANCE’
“We have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered him our full support and we pledged to work to deliver a shared, peaceful and inclusive society.
“There must be a zero tolerance approach to racism and wanton destruction. Nobody should have to live in fear or threat of violence.
“Again, we would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”
In stark contrast to the attacks, a GoFundMe page set up to raise money to “help repair racially motivated damages” has reached over £100,000. The page was established to help the many businesses in the community which were affected by the protests in Belfast.
Since the attacks, the Fed (formerly the National Federation of Retail Newsagents) has written to their members stating they are working to help members who have been affected.
In a letter issued by Mo Razzaq, National President of the Fed, they said they were collating member experiences to raise awareness of issues faced by independent retailers and make requests to the government.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
“We also offer practical recommendations on what to do next with regards to making an insurance claim, legal advice and seeking support from the NFRN Charitable Funds,” he said.
“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.”
The District President Julie Brown, who owns Livingstone’s Newsagents in Comber, said she was “saddened by the disturbances in Belfast and further afield”.
“It is particularly hard trading currently, and seeing your business ravaged in minutes is very disturbing,” she said.
Avenues of support available to members include:
- NewstrAid’s Retailer Support Scheme for emotional and financial support outside the business: https://www.newstraid.org.uk/retailer-support-scheme
- GroceryAid for emotional, practical and financial support for grocery people: https://www.groceryaid.org.uk
The Fed said it is in contact with the other business bodies and the government and will update members if any other support becomes available.
It added that 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
