Supporting Employees of Colour During the UK Riots: 10 Key Actions for Employers

"I can't believe this is happening."

We can.

How did we get here?

By ignoring how white supremacy and systemic oppression work.

Over the weekend, we witnessed extreme violence and riots across the U.K., prompted by the tragic murder of three children, Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (9), in Southport on July 29, 2024. Far-right extremists used this tragedy as an excuse to mobilise and unjustly blame the Muslim community based on false reports on social media, leading to nationwide riots, and the consequences have been devastating. It was never about women and girls' safety. Reports show that Asian and Black men have been attacked, Muslim women have had their hijabs pulled off, and acid attacks have occurred. Shops and public properties have been vandalised, looted, or set alight, including housing for asylum seekers that have been targeted.

We got to this point due to decades of abuse of misinformation and disinformation about colonialism, the British Empire, immigration, and the demonisation of Islam, all leading to the dehumanisation of Black and Brown people throughout British history.

Misinformation: Misinformation is false or inaccurate information—getting the facts wrong.

Disinformation: Disinformation is false information deliberately intended to mislead—intentionally misstating the facts.

* American Psychological Association

Race was constructed to serve the ruling classes, and white supremacy is doing what it's always done—divide, confuse, and conquer. Lack of education around race and inequality has resulted in what we're seeing now. The miseducation across Britain, affecting all white people—not just the working class—has been essential to preserving the British Empire and stoking fear about immigrants "taking jobs," "taking houses," and "committing crimes."

The consequence of miseducating generations of British people and failing to provide adequate social support has led to their frustration being unfairly aimed at the wrong targets. It's resulted in homegrown terrorism and extremism, fueled by continued media abuse of those different from us. In deprived, working-class areas, Black and Brown people are blamed for the rising cost of living, increased food prices, inadequate housing, and lack of public sector support or funding. Who does it serve to incessantly convince white working-class people that the reason they are in such situations is because of immigration?

So what can we do?

Be clear and intentional with your language, unlike the politicians and the media doing Olympic gymnastics, to avoid calling it out for what this is - Racist Islamophobic riots by right-wing extremists.

As per the CPS, terrorism is defined as:

The Terrorism Act 2000 defines terrorism, both in and outside of the U.K., as the use or threat of one or more of the actions listed below, and where they are designed to influence the government, or an international governmental organisation or to intimidate the public. The use or threat must also be for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.

The specific actions included are:

serious violence against a person;

serious damage to property;

endangering a person's life (other than that of the person committing the action);

creating a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public; and

action designed to seriously interfere with or seriously to disrupt an electronic system.

Recent years have seen a rise in cases of extreme right wing terrorism in the U.K. Extreme right wing terrorists promote messages of hate-filled prejudice which can encourage radicalisation among people motivated by race hate. Groups including (the now proscribed) National Action, Sonnenkrieg Division and The Base have been under scrutiny for promoting offensive, anti-Islamic messages which run contrary to the values of respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. The CPS continues to work to combat those who seek to sow hatred and division by advancing extremist ideologies.

This is terrorism.

We can't address it if we don't use the correct language. Call it racist and Islamophobic. It's hard to rely on the media and politicians to call it what it is when they've been complicit in anti-immigrant rhetoric for decades.

As an employer, here's what you can do →

1. Check-in with employees of colour who may have been directly impacted by recent events. Ensure that all employees know the mental health resources and counselling services available. This support can be crucial for those affected by the violence, whether directly or indirectly.

2. Opportunities for Open Dialogue: Create safe spaces for discussions on race, discrimination, and current events. This can be facilitated through regular meetings, workshops, or anonymous feedback channels, allowing employees to express their concerns and find support.

3. Promote Education: Offer training sessions on DEI to help all employees understand the impacts of racism and Islamophobia and learn practical ways to combat these issues.

4. Lead by Example: Make a public statement condemning the violence using clear terms like 'Islamophobia' and 'terrorism'. This reaffirms your company's commitment to DEI and can inspire and influence your employees.

5. Support Affected Communities: Consider organising or participating in initiatives that support the affected communities, such as through donations, volunteering, or advocacy efforts.

6. Zero Tolerance Policy: Uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination. Reflect on the DEI commitments made during movements like Black Lives Matter and ensure that these promises are actively implemented and maintained.

7. Adjust Commuting Arrangements:

   1. Arrange a buddy system for commuting where possible.

   2. Offer work-from-home options until employees feel comfortable using public transportation.

   3. Review shift patterns and consider temporary adjustments or provide transport to and from the workplace if feasible.

8. Review Security and Protocols: Review and reinforce security and in-house protocols, especially for retail environments, to ensure the safety of employees.

9. Remind Employees of Available Support: Regularly remind them about the support available through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and other resources.

10. Utilise "Speak Up" Initiatives: Ensure employees know how to report concerns anonymously through "Speak Up" initiatives or directly to trusted H.R. representatives or senior leaders.

Our hearts are heavy as we remember and honour the innocent lives tragically taken from us and exploited to incite division and violence.

Rest in peace, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

We extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you as you navigate this immense loss.

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