Pensions sector moves to protect staff as riots hit UK

Dan Taylor, client director at Trafalgar House, told Pensions Expert that “scared” staff have experienced more racist abuse outside of work. He said it was vital that companies support their workers and create a safe working environment by reinforcing anti-racism policies.

“Our team members have experienced increased racist abuse outside of work and are feeling threatened and scared,” Taylor said. “They look to trusted organisations for support and safe environments.

“At Trafalgar House, reinforcing our anti-racism policies through internal statements has been immensely reassuring and supportive for our team. These communications are crucial for reminding everyone of our zero-tolerance stance on racism and discrimination.

“They have also encouraged colleagues to initiate conversations and offer support to those feeling worried or who have suffered racial abuse. Clear and direct reminders strengthen commitment to inclusive workplaces, reassure team members, and reinforce our dedication to maintaining a respectful and united community.”

Trafalgar House has also reminded staff about available mental health support as well as continuing to organise training sessions to actively combat racism.

Taylor added that the company had allowed several team members extra flexibility to either work from home or to adjust their working hours on days when anti-immigration protests are expected.

Safe spaces and flexibility

Flexible working is just one of the recommendations made by Bev Shah, founder of City Hive, a think tank that works to build an inclusive financial services industry.

Shah recommended that firms offer check-ins with employees, create a safe space for dialogue, and reinforce personal safety and belonging.

She said firms must “recognise the current situation may cause anxiety and fear among employees”.

Shah added: “Offer flexibility, such as remote work options, for those who feel uncomfortable commuting to the office. This small adjustment can provide significant reassurance and comfort.”

Wellbeing a ‘top priority’

Charlotte O’Leary, chief executive of Pensions for Purpose, said there are measures employees themselves can take. She encouraged staff to share intelligence with bosses if they are aware of any protests planned near their work or frequently used transport hubs, so steps can be taken to uphold safety.

She added: “Our employees are being assured that their safety and wellbeing are our top priorities and that we are here to support them. For the wider industry, I urge all companies to take a stand against racism and discrimination and to actively support their staff.

“By working together, we can overcome this period of unrest and emerge stronger as a community.”

Anti-immigration protests, which began last week, have resulted in mosques being targeted, black bus passengers being attacked, and a hotel that was housing asylum seekers being set on fire.

Prime minister Kier Starmer has labelled the violence as “far-right thuggery”.

After nearly 400 arrests and a demonstration on Wednesday drawing fewer far-right members than expected, many are hoping tensions will soon calm down.

Janice Turner, co-chair of the Association of Member-Nominated Trustees (AMNT), said: “The AMNT is hopeful that the huge public show of opposition to the far-right rioters on Wednesday, coupled with the actions of the police and courts, may serve to calm this situation, but only time will tell.”

In the meantime, she suggested that companies should ensure that their discrimination complaints procedure is in line with the guidance from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

“A longstanding issue across industries is that when ethnic minority workers have raised complaints about race discrimination they have not been handled well,” Turner said.

“At this time when racist abuse has greatly increased, every company should ensure that they have the procedures, and staff have had the training, to deal with such abuse. This would give their staff confidence that, if they were targeted for discrimination or abuse, effective action would be taken.”