Roz Gittins, Chief Pharmacy Officer at the General Pharmaceutical Council, said:
“We strongly condemn the racism, violence and disorder caused by a small minority of the population that has taken place over recent days.
“We understand that pharmacy teams serving our communities may feel especially vulnerable at this time. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as those who trained abroad, make an enormous contribution to our pharmacy and health services and they should never have to feel fear when going to work. Any abuse, violence, Islamophobia or any other form of racism towards pharmacy staff is completely unacceptable, and should be reported to the police.
“We recognise that employers have a duty of care to keep their staff safe at work and we urge pharmacy owners and other employers to urgently consider whether there are any further steps they could take to reduce the risk of their staff experiencing abuse, violence or racism. For example, by making sure that pharmacy staff are not asked to work alone, and empowering Responsible Pharmacists to make decisions such as temporarily closing a pharmacy because of potential risks to the safety of the pharmacy staff, as well as the safety of patients and the public.
“We call on employers to do what they can to reassure their staff, and highlight the support available to help staff to protect their health and well-being, at this very difficult time.
“Our regulatory standards and guidance are there to help safeguard pharmacy staff, as well as patients and members of the public.”
Further resources and advice
Community Pharmacy England has provided links to relevant resources including on managing temporary pharmacy closures where necessary, on its website.
Pharmacist Support have a range of services to support pharmacy professionals who may be affected by current events, including Listening Friends, counselling and employment advice for individuals who are not members of a trade union.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has a 1-1 Support Line for members and has published a range of useful resources on Tackling difficult situations in your pharmacy.
APTUK have a resource page on EDI Training and Education (aptuk.org) (APTUK member log-in required).
The National Pharmacy Association has published advice for pharmacies on civil unrest and other emergencies.
The Pharmacists’ Defence Association’s BAME Pharmacists’ Network has produced the following resources:
We encourage pharmacy owners, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to seek further advice from their representative bodies and indemnity providers as appropriate. Organisations including the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pharmacists’ Defence Association, National Pharmacy Association, Company Chemists’ Association, Independent Pharmacies Association, Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists and Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK are providing advice and support to their members.