How should employers act if riots disrupt their business operations?

Employers have a fundamental duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, even in extraordinary circumstances like riots. This includes assessing risks, implementing safety protocols, and potentially allowing remote work where possible. If riots prevent employees from safely reaching work, employers should show flexibility and not penalize staff for circumstances beyond their control.

Key risks during disruptions include maintaining business continuity, protecting company assets, and ensuring clear communication channels with employees. Above all, employers must prioritise employee safety over business operations in the face of imminent danger.

Unsurpisingly, employers have been asking us about how to deal with the potential impact of the riots most of the week. What's absolutely key is that employers do not to take a side, especially considering their workforce is likely to have multiple differing opinions. Be practical around safety, getting to and from the office, and do not ask employees to take unnecessary risk, especially if they have to leave cars and bikes outside in affected areas. It is logical that remote working, and flexibility around start and finish times, be offered where possible. Leaders should ensure managers are updated on the current situation with particular attention paid to how groups of employees are likely to feel, offering support and care where necessary. The other area I would be paying careful attention to is ensuring that discussion and opinion around the subject be kept to an absolute minimum, as this could be the start of discrimination and harrassment issues.