This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. 

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RPS is an anti-racist organisation and we stand with the pharmacy community against all forms of racism, religious hatred and intolerance. The violent disorder that has been perpetrated across cities and towns over the past week has horrified all of us and is totally abhorrent.

We recognise this is a frightening time for many in the profession and wider pharmacy family. Pharmacy is proud of its diversity; our strength lies in unity, and we stand together in condemning all who carry out and are responsible for acts of religious and ethnic hatred including those fuelled by Islamophobia and xenophobia.

There must be zero tolerance for any abuse, intimidation, or violence towards pharmacy staff, and any incidents should be reported to the police to help them understand what’s happening locally. The safety of pharmacy teams is paramount, and it is essential that the NHS, employers, and owners communicate this clearly and provide support.

RPS members can contact our support service who will provide 1-1 advice and assistance and there are a range of useful online resources provided by RPS. More widely, we have a bank of guides on tackling microaggressions which can be used to improve workplace culture and tools to help tackle race inequality at work. Other useful resources are listed by the General Pharmaceutical Council at the end of their statement on the violent disorder. Additionally, our partner Pharmacist Support offers counselling and employment advice to those affected by current events.

Read more RCPharm news stories.