With more far-right violence expected in UK, how are agencies keeping their staff safe?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has today earmarked 6,000 police officers to be mobilized in a move aimed at quelling any violence tonight. After the initial riots in Southport, disorder flared up in northern cities and towns like Liverpool, Hull and Rotherham, then quickly infected the Midlands and south as so-called protestors took to the streets to vent their anger over current perceived immigrant levels and UK immigration policy in general. Those protests have now spiraled further into all-out violence, vandalism and looting.

Richie Jones, managing director of Bristol-based tech agency Vvast, was quick to take action to ensure his staff remained safe. He tells The Drum: “It’s tragically sad. We are in Bristol, right next to Castle Park, where it kicked off at the weekend, and we are closing our offices from midday today [Wednesday] due to the English Defence League protest that is happening at 7pm.”

Stephen Ardern, MD at Liverpool brand agency Continuous, says that while the troubles haven’t so far affected his agency directly, he is keeping a watching brief. “Clearly, we’re aware of the troubles and we are being vigilant. So far, the trouble has been focused in another part of the city, but staff in other companies working in the business district were told to leave work before a planned peaceful protest there on Monday afternoon [August 5] just to be safe, so everyone is keeping a close watch here.

“Overall, it’s a sad situation nationally, not specifically just for Liverpool. A damaging response to a tragedy. You don’t want this to happen anywhere. Is it bad for Liverpool in particular? I don’t think people will judge Liverpool or Liverpudlians. This city has a foundational reputation based on openness and connection that embraces people from all over the world and I can’t see that being tarnished by the actions of a few.”

Directors at Leeds agency IMA tackled the issue early on, sending out a comprehensive message of support to all staff, as Jay Dickinson, director of people, culture and comms at IMA, explains: “We recognized that within IMA, some may be feeling fearful, targeted and vulnerable, whether at home, at work or in between. We wanted them to know that we are in complete opposition to the actions, views and attitudes of these far-right groups and at IMA, they are safe and respected. We’ve told our colleagues that if they are concerned about safety while traveling to and from work, they can inform our People Team and we’ll work with them to provide whatever support and flexibility they require during this time. IMA colleagues have access to qualified counselors and advisors via our Health Assured, free, 24/7 confidential helpline. We’ve also provided information for resources such as Stop Hate UK, Black Minds Matter UK and Tell Mama.”

While much of the violence was initially focused in the English regions, it was inevitable riots would reach the capital. Agencies in and around London were naturally staying vigilant earlier this week as threats of planned protests were leaked on social media platforms.

Joe Goulcher of Territory Studio caught wind of a planned attack on a refugee center close to his home in Walthamstow, London, and as a result has since remained working from home while advising staff to do likewise. “If there’s any risk associated with our staff traveling around London, then they should and are being encouraged to work from home,” he says. “Our paramount duty is the physical safety and emotional wellbeing of our staff. The violence is abhorrent and we stand in solidarity with those in the firing line.”

Shelina Janmohamed has been championing Muslim audiences at Ogilvy for over a decade in her role as VP of Islamic marketing and director of consumer equality. Speaking of the riots, she says: “For me, current events are both extremely personal and very much about the workplace – thinking about our people, the industry and our consumers.

“Along with senior leaders and respected colleagues at Ogilvy UK, we are continuously working to ensure people feel safe, know there are resources at hand and have the flexibility to work in locations that they feel are safest for them. Communications have been both agency-wide as well as focused on our community networks for people most affected. I’ll also be facilitating a safe space for members of MEFA (Media For All). For me, it’s an important reminder of the commitment we’ve made to create a culture of belonging and equality for all within our organizations and in our society. Prejudice can’t stand unity – so let’s stand together.”

Ala Uddin, executive creative director at London-based multicultural marketing agency Mud Orange, remains angry at what is happening and lays the blame squarely at the doors of the media and brands: “These racist attacks and hate marches have really upset us. It has been a tough time for me and our team and our priority is making sure everyone feels safe and supported. At the moment, we’re all working from home until further notice and doing all we can to support our brothers and sisters affected.

“Media, publications, opinion makers and brands have all been complicit in pushing negative stereotypes. We’re so used to seeing strong stances on trending moments for justice, but there’s a deafening silence heard by millions of South Asians and Muslims. Brands are eager to engage when there’s money to be made, but when it’s time to take a bold stand that might upset vocal thugs, they turn a blind eye.

“We’ve worked with brands that have blocked great social initiatives because ‘it may upset the racists.’ This hypocrisy shows us how shallow these so-called purpose-led initiatives are. The attack on South Asian and Muslim communities is an attack on the fabric of British society.”

Creo Comms is based in Sunderland city center and MD Louise Bradford describes it as “deeply concerning to witness the riots that have unfolded in the heart of a city that has worked hard to establish itself as a dynamic, bold and regenerating northern city.

She says: “We have taken steps to reassure our team, and though we wholeheartedly hope that last week’s disorder is the last that Sunderland will have to endure, we stand prepared to adapt as needed. Not only do we have a responsibility to make sure our team is safe, but we want everyone to feel safe and that means recognizing some people may be more comfortable working from home until they’re sure the situation has settled down.”

Further protests are also expected in Birmingham this evening and One Black Bear co-founder Richard Elwell says there has been a different feel across the city since this morning. “Birmingham was strangely quiet driving in this morning. It looks and feels like many businesses have opted to work from home, with a few others boarded up. The rozzers are doing loops around rumored flashpoints. Folks around and about generally look a little less relaxed. Moody times, indeed. My guys are a fantastic, resilient bunch, but naturally, we have their best interests at heart. Many use the train to get to work, so we had a chat this morning about how they were feeling given all the rumors circulating on social media and news channels. So, we’ll be finishing early today before any moodiness descends on the jewelry quarter.”

Naturally, the impact of the riots hasn’t only been reserved for agencies. Today Brixton Finishing School was due to hold a full-day IRL event at Edelman PR for its summer school students. As a result of today’s anticipated riots, that event was forced to go virtual. Organizer and activist Ally Owen said: “This is impacting the lives of our citizens and students and must be stopped. It’s 2024 and we are having to rearrange our curriculum to ensure the safeguarding of the next generation of advertising and marketing talent. This is appalling. Society is so damaged we are discussing the risk level of attending a workplace or educational opportunity. We must unite and stand for hope, not hate. It is key that those who are white take action against these far-right thugs.”

While agencies are being pretty vocal on their opposition to the far-right, owner of Leeds agency Propaganda, Julian Kynaston, concurs with the comments of Uddin at Mud Orange, saying that brands are, on the whole, far too quiet. “When I was building Illamasqua, I banned Trump supporters from buying our product. It was a bold move, but maybe it was no coincidence that Vogue named Illamasqua the hottest make-up brand only a few weeks later. Brands need to show some balls and give an opinion. An opinion that denounces hate. For this, they will be loved a thousand times more than press ads can buy them adoration. It’s a world where ‘good’ needs all the help it can get and brands that profess to be ‘hearts and minds’ players need to grow some balls and step into the political arena. Make it simple: if you support fascism, do not buy our brand. Stone Island? Deathly silence.”

With over 30 far-right protests expected across the UK this evening, it appears that WFH could once again become the new norm – only this time, the pandemic is caused by mindless violence.