Businesses have boarded up, closed or plan to close early amid fears about potential violence as more than 100 far-right demonstrations are planned take place across London on Wednesday night.
Employers in some parts of the UK, including the capital, have also told employees feeling vulnerable that they can work from home.
In Finchley, north London, some shops along the High Road had shut. Foxtons North Finchley estate agents closed “due to the situation in London” and the “potential violence” that could result from the planned rallies, Jenna from the head office reception said.
The company had also closed its estate agents in Croydon, Walthamstow and Harrow, areas with immigration law and advice centres listed as targets.
Violence so far has largely targeted mosques, hotels housing asylum seekers, libraries and shops.
Walthamstow Trades Hall said it would not open on Wednesday. In a tweet, it said: “We have made the difficult decision not to open today due to the potential threat of right-wing violence.
“We believe this decision is the best way to safeguard our staff, members, and club … We stand in solidarity with all migrants, Black, minority ethnic, and Muslim communities in Waltham Forest and across the UK today.”
Other businesses have said they will close early, including the Gym Group in Walthamstow, which advised people to use other sites where possible.
In a statement, it said: “Here at the Gym Group, our members’ safety is paramount so we have made the decision to close the Gym Group London Walthamstow at 5pm due to planned demonstrations. We plan to reopen again at 6am tomorrow morning.”
One X user posted a screenshot of a text from their manager, which said people who did not feel safe to come in should work from home. They captioned the post: “The fact that my manager even has to send this message in 2024 is so disheartening.”
The manager’s message read: “If any of you feel particularly vulnerable with the current disturbances across the UK it is fine to work from home tomorrow until this ridiculous situation goes away.”
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Many retail workers have been heading to work fearing their stores and their safety could be compromised by the looting and vandalism that has taken grip in various parts of the country.
“The full force of the law should be brought to bear on those individuals who are committing criminal damage and theft against retailers and the communities they are part of.”
Sarah Sackman, the MP for Finchley and Golders Green, posted a statement on X earlier this week after a service helping immigrants in Finchley was included in the list of targets.
She said: “A service helping immigrants in Finchley has been included in a list of targets of far-right groups planning actions this week. This is disgusting.
“We will not let the far right divide us. Our hope will conquer their hate. Those who perpetuate violence and hate will face the full force of the law.”